They wished for the return of Maher Al-Assad, and Abu Mohammad appeared before them.
February 17, 2025276 ViewsRead Time: 3 minutes
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In a pivotal moment in the Syrian scene, and in a notable political development, President Ahmed Al-Shara visited the strongholds of the former regime in Latakia and Tartus, areas that Syrians never imagined their revolutionary leader would set foot in. This visit followed a series of stops in Idlib and its camps, then Aleppo, affirming a clear project of national unity, overcoming decades of geographic and social isolation imposed by the Assad regime on the Syrian coast. The Syrian scene witnessed a coastal area expressing its deep sense of belonging to the nation and citizenship for the first time, as these regions were typically portrayed by the former regime as its impregnable fortress, where only its voice was heard. However, the scene was different this time, as President Al-Shara was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds despite the lingering security tensions in these areas. **Political Messages Between the Lines** Ahmed Al-Shara's visit to the Syrian coast raises several political questions about its implications: - Is it a step to solidify stability in areas that were considered a human reservoir for the former regime? - Does it pave the way for reshaping the political landscape in Syria to ensure broader representation of various segments of the Syrian people? - Does this visit lay the foundation for a new phase of genuine national reconciliation that goes beyond just ending the rule of the old regime? It is evident that Al-Shara seeks to establish the concept of an inclusive state that does not discriminate between its regions or reproduce exclusionary policies. What is happening today is not merely a restoration of geographical maps but a redefinition of a new Syria based on the idea of citizenship rather than narrow loyalties. **What Does Al-Shara's Visit Mean in the Current Political Scene?** This visit is not just a passing event but reflects a strategic shift in the transitional phase. Achieving political and social stability on the coast indicates that the new project is not limited to a regime change but extends to restructuring social and political relationships on different foundations. If this visit surprised some, what lies ahead may hold even greater surprises. Will we witness a genuine involvement of coastal areas in the state rebuilding project? Can these regions become real partners in the future Syria? There are many questions, but one thing is certain: Ahmed Al-Shara's phase brings unexpected changes, perhaps what Syria needs after all it has endured.