In times of transformation, the need to define concepts becomes essential. Given the profound changes taking place in our region today, a serious reassessment is required of the relationship between freedom of expression and the prestige of the state—especially in societies emerging from the grip of tyranny toward the prospects of good governance.

Here emerges “Muawiyah’s Thread”—the fine line separating the legitimate right to criticize from attempts to undermine the state's status and prestige.

Purposeful freedom must not be confused with orchestrated chaos, nor should voices be silenced under the pretext of stability, nor should public order be violated under the guise of opposition and criticism!

First: Freedom of Opinion Is a Right, Not a Favor

In a democratic state, freedom of opinion is not a privilege granted—it is an inherent right guaranteed by constitutions and international conventions.

It serves as a political safeguard, a mechanism of societal oversight, and a tool for correction and reform.

Freedom, in this sense, does not mean glorifying authority, but rather constructive criticism, rejecting deviation, and defending the people's interests within a peaceful and legal framework.

Indeed, we find that the states which respected diverse opinions, encouraged a free press, and embraced criticism were the ones most capable of resilience and continuity—while those that silenced voices and criminalized opposition ultimately failed.

Second: The Prestige of the State Is Built on Respect, Not Repression

Undoubtedly, the prestige of the state is not founded on fear, but rather on respect for the law, the sovereignty of justice, and the legitimacy of institutions.

A state that strips its laws of authority and empties its institutions of substance loses its stature both domestically and internationally.

It is essential to emphasize that true state prestige stems from the citizen’s trust in the justice of their state—not from the dominance of its security apparatus.

Those who engage in legitimate criticism do not threaten the state; rather, they help preserve it. But those who incite sectarianism against it, promote violence, or intentionally undermine its symbols and institutions, cross the line from freedom into the realm of chaos.

Third: Between Responsible Freedom and Deliberate Chaos

There is a fine line that separates purposeful expression from destructive rhetoric.
Responsible opinion builds, corrects, and offers proposals within legal frameworks.
Whereas chaos distorts, incites, blackmails, and uses platforms to spread hatred—not reform!

What we need today is a freedom that respects diversity, builds trust, and preserves institutions—not a freedom that violates everything in the name of criticism.

Fourth: The Vision of the Syrian Future Movement

At the Syrian Future Movement, we believe that:

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic transition and is a non-negotiable right.
The state's prestige is essential for its survival and must be safeguarded from targeted attacks.

The balance between freedom and prestige is what we strive to establish: “A strong state that respects opinion, and a free people who respect their state.”

And here, we call for the formulation of a national framework for freedom of expression—one that protects opinions, criminalizes incitement, promotes free media, and encourages a culture of responsible criticism.

Fifth: Towards a New Social Contract

In the Syria of the future, it is impossible to speak of building a just and stable state without establishing a new social contract—one that redefines the relationship between the citizen and the state on modern, just, and rational foundations.

This contract must embody the collective will of all Syrians, reflect their aspirations for freedom and dignity, and break away from the old system built on exclusion, authoritarianism, and corruption.

1. Freedoms and Citizenship Rights Are Inviolable Foundations

This new social contract must guarantee both public and private freedoms—especially freedom of thought, expression, belief, the right to organize, and political participation.

It must also enshrine the principle of equal citizenship, where no Syrian is discriminated against on the basis of sect, ethnicity, or political affiliation, and where all are equal in rights and responsibilities under the rule of law.

2. Institutions That Embrace Criticism and Respond to Accountability

The new contract must produce modern, effective institutions built on competence and integrity—institutions capable of receiving constructive criticism, not fearing or punishing it.

These institutions must reflect the will of the people, exercise power with responsibility and transparency, and be subject to accountability rather than favoritism.

3. Justice Is the Cornerstone

A sound relationship between citizen and state cannot exist without the establishment of justice through an independent, fair, and effective judiciary—one that restores rights to their rightful owners and ensures accountability.

Justice is what restores people’s trust in the state, protects civil peace, and prevents conflicts from creeping into legal or sectarian voids.

4. Combating Corruption and Rebuilding Trust

The new social contract cannot be complete without a serious will to eradicate all forms of corruption—whether in administration, judiciary, or economy.

It must launch a national initiative to rebuild trust between citizen and state, empowering citizens to monitor and participate, and restoring the primacy of public interest over narrow gains.

5. People's Participation in Decision-Making

The new contract must include clear mechanisms for public participation in decision-making—whether through fair elections, or by empowering local councils, civil society organizations, and independent media.

The people are not followers; they are essential partners in governing the nation and shaping its future.

We, at the Syrian Future Movement, believe that this new social contract is the true gateway to building a Syria based on justice, freedom, and sovereignty.

The path to it begins with continuing the inclusive national dialogue that excludes no one. It aims to craft a consensual national project that ends the eras of division and tyranny, and establishes a new phase of participation and responsibility.

Just as the state must respect its citizens, citizens must respect their institutions. This can only be achieved when everyone feels they are partners in this homeland, not strangers within it.

Conclusion:

Freedom does not negate the authority of the state, and authority does not justify the repression of freedom! Between them lies a necessary integration to build a nation that upholds the law, preserves human dignity, and embraces differences with trust and justice.

The new Syria we dream of is a state that fears no opinion and is not intimidated by criticism, because it derives its legitimacy from justice and its strength from the trust of its people.

Dr. Zaher Baadarani

Presidency office

Article

Syrian Future Movement (SFM)

Muawiyah’s Thread: Between the Margin of Freedom of Opinion and Crossing the State’s Prestige in Criticism!