Experts predict sectarian divisions in Syria

Dubai: The problem in Syria is no longer wether Bashar Al Assad and his regime will stay in power, but the sectarian divide developed during the lengthy struggle of Syrians for freedom that will a take long time and sincere efforts to heal, speakers at the Arab media Forum session ‘Syria … A decade from now!’ agreed.

“I think the war has become a sectarian one more than a revolution.” said Khalid Al Firm, Deputy Chief Editor of Okaz newspaper in Saudi Arabia. “The Syrian problem will not be over any time soon, I think it needs 20 years for the future Syria to emerge.”

Diya’ Rashwan, Egyptian journalist and Head of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, believes that the power in Syria should be divided.

“Bashar and his regime are no longer part of the problem or the solution to emerge. I think that the only scenario I see in the future for a solution is a division in power and not one side winning,” Rashwan said.

The way media has dealt with the Syrian revolution was also a topic of discussion at the conference.

Some commentators felt that media and particulary TV has been playing a negative role in instigating sectarian hatred among Syrians, but others disagreed and said the sectarian divide is becoming stronger in the region and the wars to come will be around sectarian lines in the region.

“With Iran and Hezobllah supporting Syrian regime, while others in the region are supporting the revolution, the stage has been set for a massive sectarian confrontation,” said Ayman Al Safadi, Chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi Media company and former Deputy Prime Minister of Jordan.

“I think that the Arab media dealt with the Syrian situation poorly. There was a serious lack in investigative journalism, There was a lack in its sources citation and they did not focus on the heroism of the younger Syrian generation and their efforts to assist their people and their country,” said Samir Atallah, daily column writer in Asharq Al Awsat newspaper and weekly opinion writer for Annahar Lebanese Newspaper.

Dr Samir Al Taqi, Chief of the Dubai-based Orient Research Centre, said Al Assad regime has no future in the country and the strong central regime will no more be in Syria.

“I think Syria will emerge from this uprising as a country where people have great sense in their ability to manage themselves with no need for strong government. We predicted this to happen in Syria and we pinpointed 14 critical locations to revolt against the regime. ,” Al Taqi said.