Syrian Journalist to Welat TV: Recent Clashes Have Deepened Divisions, Solution Begins with Participation and Decentralization
Welat TV – Erbil
Syrian academic and journalist Samir al-Aita said that the recent clashes in Aleppo have created a deep division among Syrians, similar to the Suwayda events. He warned that such developments would further complicate the domestic situation and deepen internal divisions among the Syrian people.
In an interview with Welat TV's “Meeting of the Week” program on January 15, 2026, al-Aita emphasized the necessity of initiating negotiations between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on financial and educational issues as a preliminary step toward building mutual understanding.
He underscored that “public pressure on the negotiating parties has become urgent to preserve the unity of the country and reach a peaceful solution to the crisis.”
Decentralization
Al-Aita stressed that “the issue in Syria is not one of sects, but the issue of equality in citizenship,” calling for the Syrian state to grant decentralization to the regions in order to preserve diversity and promote social stability.
The U.S. Role and the Regional Crisis
Regarding the U.S. role, al-Aita asserted that Washington is currently managing the regional crisis, pointing to a significant gap between official rhetoric and the actual intentions of the United States in addressing the Syrian issue.
The Situation in Suwayda
Al-Aita explained that there is widespread anger in Suwayda, stressing that not all statements issued there can be taken seriously, considering that the presence of Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri makes negotiation possible if all parties have good intentions.
Refugees and the European Position
On the issue of Syrian refugees, al-Aita pointed to a European tendency toward pushing for the return of Syrian refugees. He noted that some Syrians have already returned to areas of refuge and displacement they had previously fled, due to the difficult living conditions inside Syria.
Economy and Sanctions
Al-Aita emphasized that there has been no real change or actual recovery in the Syrian economy following the lifting of sanctions, noting that “Arab countries have not yet supported the Syrian economy with a single penny for reconstruction.”
Industrial Decline and Reconstruction
He explained that many factories across Syria closed over the past year due to their inability to compete with imported Turkish and Chinese products, warning that the absence of a clear reconstruction policy could delay rebuilding efforts for decades.
Poverty and Living Conditions
Al-Aita pointed out that 90 percent of Syrians now live below the poverty line, in addition to the presence of some 12 million refugees and internally displaced persons, stressing that the absence of participation, openness, and stability will prevent investment and hinder economic recovery.
The Future of Syria
According to Aita, Syria’s future is tied to a fundamental question: “How do Syrians want to shape their country?” He argued that democracy and elections are extremely difficult to achieve under current conditions.
Participation and Local Elections
Al-Aita called on the Syrian government to hold genuine elections by allowing the election of local officials and community cooperation in sharing responsibility, stressing the need for power sharing, the revival, preservation, and development of state institutions, as well as going toward administrative decentralization and the holding of preliminary local elections that would lead to broader comprehensive elections.
He concluded by affirming that Syrians do not wish to see their country divided, warning that “external forces are working in detail toward that goal.”