On Monday, the Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) Political Parties and Movements Working Group held a consultative meeting with Syrian national parties, both in-person and virtually. The meeting aimed to exchange views on recent regional political and field developments, explore the risks and opportunities arising from these developments, and broaden participation in national decision-making.
The meeting was attended by SOC’s President Hadi Al-Bahra, Vice Presidents Abdul Majeed Barakat and Dima Moussa, Secretary-General Haytham Rahmeh, and the group’s coordinator, Mohammed Ali Issa, along with several members of the political committee and General Assembly. Representatives from more than 30 political parties, unions, and groups supporting the revolution and the Syrian people’s aspirations for justice, freedom, and democracy also participated.
Al-Bahra began the meeting by providing an overview of the latest regional political and field developments. He discussed the impact of the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, noting clear indications that the war could expand to include Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. He emphasized that these countries have been part of military operations for months due to Iranian influence over them. Al-Bahra explained that Iran’s strategy relies on creating chaos and stirring conflict beyond its borders to engage its rivals elsewhere, forcing them to fight on foreign soil and at the expense of other nations’ people.
He further outlined how these developments impact regional and international alliances, reflecting a broader decision to reduce Iran’s influence in the region.
Al-Bahra also touched on the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. elections, stating that countries in the region are adopting precautionary policies to prepare for the election outcome and to manage the consequences of shrinking Iranian hegemony. He emphasized how these shifts could shape the region’s future.
Participants discussed various suggestions, including organizing workshops to prioritize the political solution in Syria within the international crisis agenda. They stressed the importance of engaging with international bodies to support the Syrian cause.
The attendees also explored the idea of holding workshops with Syrian political blocs and parties, as well as making the group’s meetings more regular to ensure that political decision-making processes become more inclusive. They examined ways to expand the group’s membership by reaching out to and inviting additional political parties and currents to future meetings.
The participants emphasized the need for collective efforts, particularly given the challenging circumstances that may lead to shifts in regional and international dynamics. They highlighted the importance of taking advantage of these changes to implement UN resolutions on Syria, particularly the Geneva Communiqué of 2012 and UN Resolutions 2118 and 2254, to fulfill the Syrian people’s demands.
The attendees reiterated that the Syrian people remain united in their struggle against the Assad regime, terrorist militias, and their backers. They aim to achieve justice, freedom, and democracy, maintain Syria’s unity and independence, restore sovereignty to the people, and expel Iranian sectarian militias and Hezbollah terrorists.
They affirmed that the Syrian people are one, with diverse ethnicities, religions, and sects, rejecting all forms of division or de facto authorities. They aspire to build a democratic state with a pluralistic political system based on justice and equality, offering all citizens opportunities for a dignified life and a prosperous future.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
