Introduction:

Since its inception, the Syrian people's revolution was not merely a cry against tyranny, but a profound expression of a popular yearning for dignity, justice, and a unifying national state.

With the triumph of the Syrian revolution, it has become necessary to move from a logic of confrontation to a logic of vision, and from a mentality of toppling the regime to a mentality of state-building.

In this context, we at the Syrian Future Movement reiterate what Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar’a previously affirmed: A revenge mentality does not build a state!

For those who plan the future of a homeland are not driven by vengeance, but inspired by hope and guided by reason and wisdom.

First: Revenge — a mentality that hinders state-building

Revenge, as a way of thinking, is not limited to individual behavior; it can become a policy adopted by groups or projects. And when it infiltrates the structure of political decision-making, it turns the state into a tool of vengeance, stripping it of its legitimacy and moral integrity.

Revenge Threatens the State in Five Ways:

It obstructs justice and replaces the rule of law with the logic of personal retribution.
It fragments society by fueling sectarian and tribal divisions.
It weakens institutions, as governing structures become tools for settling scores.
It fuels violence and turns the national arena into fields of open conflict.
It hinders reconciliation and blocks any inclusive national project.

Second: A State Can Only Be Built Through Justice and Reconciliation

A modern state stands on three main pillars: justice, reconciliation, and institutions.

For a state to be strong, it must derive its legitimacy not from military dominance or a spirit of revenge, but from the law, the constitution, and a unifying national will.

In this context, the experiences of other nations serve as a source of inspiration for us:

Nelson Mandela: Rejected a revenge mentality after decades of injustice and launched the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” project.
Lee Kuan Yew: Built a developed state from nothing, without engaging in retaliatory conflicts with his opponents.
Ronald Reagan: Ended the Cold War through dialogue with the Soviets, not confrontation.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: Despite challenges, he strengthened institutions without resorting to sweeping purges.

Third: The Revolution Is Not the Goal, but a Means to Build an Alternative System

A revolution alone is not sufficient to establish a state; it is a prelude, and its core purpose is change.

However, change is not complete unless it transforms into a political project that leads Syria from chaos to stability, from militarization to politics, and from revenge to justice.

For this reason, the Syrian Future Movement believes that the coming phase must be built on a clear roadmap that includes:

Phase One: Reconciliation and Justice (0–2 years)

Completion of an inclusive national dialogue with no exclusion.
Establishment of a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Reform of the judiciary and guarantee of its independence.
De-escalation of security conflicts and dismantling of unlawful entities.
Urgent reconstruction projects in affected areas.

Phase Two: State-Building (2–5 years)

A new constitution that reflects a balanced representation of all components.
Fair elections under international supervision.
Gradual economic reform based on transparency and anti-corruption.
Completion of the integration of factions into a professional, non-ideological national army.
Activation of free media and public accountability.

Phase Three: Strengthening Identity and Development (5–10 years)

Building a unified education system that fosters belonging and mutual respect.
Achieving social justice and empowering women and youth.
Launching a national strategy for innovation and a productive economy.
Restoring Syria's regional and international role through smart diplomacy.

Fourth: Post-Conflict Challenges, Realistic Solutions:

Politically: We face a deep crisis of trust, and the solution lies in transparency, activating the role of the new Syrian government, and granting it broad powers to gain popular support.
Security: The chaos resulting from the fragmentation of security forces is addressed by the conditional integration of factions and the establishment of a national security apparatus under civilian oversight.
Economically: The destruction of infrastructure and poverty are met with a smart reconstruction plan, development partnerships, and direct support for vulnerable groups.
Socially: Sectarian tendencies are confronted with a unified educational system and responsible media that promotes citizenship.
Refugees: The safe return project must be accompanied by legal guarantees, dignified housing, and national integration programs.

Fifth: Syria at a Critical Choice:

We are at a pivotal moment: either we reproduce the cycle of revenge, sinking further into division, or we open a new national chapter based on justice, transparency, and dignity for all.

Here, the message of the Syrian Future Movement is clear:

There is no state with revenge, no freedom without justice, and no future without true national reconciliation.

Our call today is to all sincere national forces, and to all Syrians who believe in civil values and democracy, to prioritize the duty to the homeland over the right to heal wounds, to look towards the future rather than dwell on grudges, and to make reason our guide instead of letting instincts govern us.

Dr. Zaher Baadarani

Presidency office

Article

Syrian Future Movement (SFM)

A Revenge Mentality Does Not Build a State: Toward a National Vision for Peace and Reconstruction