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Issam Khoury: Insights from New York
Published: January 10, 2025
The people's will holds immense power—a force capable of reshaping societal balances and dismantling entrenched notions of minorities and majorities within the framework of equitable citizenship. This message was central to senior advisor Issam Khoury's recent interview on Al-Youm Channel, where he delved into the complexities of identity and unity in Syria.
A Call for Inclusive Citizenship
Khoury emphasized that Syrians inherently reject labels based on religious or national identities, recognizing these as tools of division wielded by certain factions to fracture society. He argues that these labels not only harm social cohesion but also undermine efforts toward rebuilding a unified nation.
"The people's will," Khoury stated, "has the power to dissolve these divisive concepts and pave the way for a citizenship model that is just and inclusive."
Exploiting Identity for Destruction
The exploitation of religious and ethnic identities, Khoury noted, has historically been a strategy used to destabilize communities. Whether through political agendas or extremist ideologies, such practices perpetuate discord and hinder national progress.
Khoury’s perspective highlights the urgency of moving beyond these artificial divisions. He calls for fostering a shared Syrian identity rooted in coexistence, mutual respect, and collective growth.
Insights from Other Attendees
The panel discussion also included thought-provoking contributions from other experts:
Dr. Leila Al-Khatib, a sociologist, highlighted the psychological impact of sectarian divisions, noting how generations have been conditioned to perceive differences as threats. She advocated for community-led healing initiatives to rebuild trust.
Ahmed Jabr, an educator from Damascus, shared success stories of grassroots efforts in his region where Kurdish and Arab students collaborated on art and history projects that celebrated their shared heritage. "Education can be the bridge that unites us," he said.
Noura Haddad, a youth activist, emphasized the role of young Syrians in shaping the country's future. She pointed to the growing number of youth-led initiatives promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange as evidence of a brighter tomorrow.
A Vision for a Unified Syria
During the interview, Khoury proposed actionable steps to address these challenges:
Educational Reform: Revamping school curricula to reflect Syria’s rich cultural tapestry and emphasize unity over division.
Media Representation: Ensuring that media outlets promote narratives of inclusivity and shared identity.
Community Engagement: Empowering grassroots initiatives that encourage dialogue and collaboration across different societal segments.
Policy Change: Advocating for a constitutional framework that guarantees equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Syria’s Potential for Transformation
Khoury’s analysis underscores the resilience and potential of the Syrian people to overcome divisive forces. By harnessing the power of popular will, Syria can redefine its national identity and emerge as a beacon of coexistence and equitable governance.
