The unexpected fall of Bashar al-Assad has shocked many analysts and disappointed some of his supporters, while simultaneously opening up a new possibility for Syria’s future. For the first time in years, the various opposition factions, both within Syria and beyond, have acknowledged the potential for transforming the nation, potentially bringing an end to its long-standing political and civil conflict.

In the wake of Assad’s fall, the opposition forces have moved to fill the political vacuum by establishing a temporary technocratic government. However, the question of Syria’s future political system remains a critical concern. Given the country’s complex, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious makeup, the challenge lies in creating a political framework that maintains Syria’s territorial integrity and is widely acceptable to its citizens. Under the current circumstances, a secular democracy emphasizing religious moderation appears to be the most viable option, offering a path to long-term peace without falling into sectarianism.

One of the immediate and pressing issues Syria faces is maintaining its sovereignty. With Israeli forces now positioned just 20 kilometers from Damascus and the Kurdish-led forces in the north facing potential Turkish aggression, the country is confronted with multiple external threats that could further destabilize its territorial integrity. Therefore, the country’s immediate priority must be to establish a stable, cohesive political vision and a clear roadmap for its social and economic future. This requires the creation of a new constitution and political system that is inclusive and that reflects the interests of all Syrian factions, from the government to the various opposition groups.

The history of nationalism in Syria is a crucial point of reference. Over the 20th century, Syrian identity has been shaped by various nationalist ideologies, from the Arab Awakening to the rise of both Syrian and Arab nationalism. While these movements have traditionally defined Syria’s identity within an Arab context, the nation’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious fabric demands a broader, more inclusive vision of nationalism that integrates the diverse groups that call Syria home.

Ahmed al-Sharaa’s recent statements reflect this shift. While he reassures that Syria has no intention of waging war or threatening its neighbors, he emphasizes the importance of forging a national identity based on democratic principles. This identity must transcend narrow ethnic or sectarian definitions and incorporate the full spectrum of Syrian society, including religious minorities that have been integral to the country for millennia. This vision aligns with the slogans heard on the streets of Syria today, such as “One, one, one, the Syrian people one” and “We demand a Secular democratic Syria,” which underscore a deep-rooted desire for both unity and secularism.

To move forward, Syria must adopt a national ideology that fosters unity without erasing the distinct identities of its many groups. This is not a call for assimilation but for a shared sense of belonging to a Syrian nation that respects its diversity while upholding the values of democracy and secularism. In this sense, Syria could take inspiration from Indonesia, where a unifying national ideology helped prevent the country's disintegration after decades of authoritarian rule. Indonesia’s model of combining nationalism with democratic principles while respecting the country’s pluralism provides an essential example for Syria as it navigates its post-Assad future.

Religious tensions, particularly sectarianism, have escalated across the Middle East in the wake of the Iraq war and the Arab Spring. While many hoped the Arab Spring would bring about democratic reforms, it also revealed a failure to achieve religious moderation. In Syria, the Islamist factions have largely failed to unite the opposition due to their rigid religious agendas, which alienated both religious minorities and the broader Muslim population. In contrast, the current leaders in Syria’s revolution, including figures like al-Sharaa, have shown signs of moderation on religious matters, distancing themselves from the idea of turning Syria into a Sharia state. Instead, they focus on the importance of religious pluralism, stressing that Syria must remain a home for all faiths and communities. However, on the ground, two contradictory factions are broadcasting their ideational models how women should dress. On the one hand, the secularist’s vision advocates women without headscarves, and the Islamists are spreading booklets that demonstrate the proper method of wearing hijab and even niqab. Thus, such competition on the ground is worrisome since it could develop to a confrontation between the secularists and the Islamists. Democratic secularism and religious moderation require free of choice and equal rights to all factions in the society without imposing agendas to the people.

Overall, while it may not yet be accurate to call Syria’s political evolution “progressive,” the signs of moderation from the opposition are promising. However, the real challenge lies in institutionalizing these moderate positions, ensuring they are reflected not only in political rhetoric but also in policy and practice across all levels of society. Religious moderation must be institutionalized as a national strategy to protect Syria’s social fabric and prevent the country from falling into sectarianism. In the coming years, Syria will need a stable transitional period to move toward national elections based on a democratic political system. These elections should reflect the diverse characteristics of Syrian society, ensuring that all voices, whether from the majority or minority groups, are heard. This process must also set the tone for Syria’s regional and international standing, ensuring that foreign powers respect its sovereignty and that external interventions do not impose agendas at odds with the interests of the Syrian people.

While much of the international media continues to focus on the ongoing power struggle between Assad and the opposition, the true story unfolding on the ground in Syria is one of national solidarity. Despite years of war and hardship, the majority of Syrians demonstrate a collective will to build a country based on secularism, democratic values, and religious moderation. These aspirations offer hope for a new Syria that can reconcile its diverse peoples within a unified and peaceful nation-state.

Note: Another version of the article has been published previously at The Jakarta Post and is accessible here