Modern states are built upon the backbone of their armed forces, which symbolize strength and protect national sovereignty.

In this context, the formation of a new Syrian army must be founded on clear national principles, detached from any specific ideological or religious orientation, to ensure inclusiveness and independence.

The Risks of Religious Ideology in the Army

The emergence of a new Syrian army chanting religious slogans or raising Islamic banners may appear spontaneous or rooted in the cultural and wartime context. 
However, this poses serious risks on several levels:

1. Diplomatic and Regional Implications

Portraying the new Syrian army as a religiously motivated force may alarm both the international community and neighboring countries.

The world views military groups with religious identities with suspicion, recalling past failed models in the region.

This perception may damage the army’s international legitimacy and hinder its ability to establish balanced diplomatic and military relations.

Moreover, regional actors—many of whom face their own sectarian and ideological challenges—may see such a force as a destabilizing threat.

2. Impact on National Inclusivity within the Army

The army must be a unifying national institution that includes all Syrians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

If the army is branded with a singular religious identity, it implicitly alienates other components of Syrian society, who may no longer see it as their own.

Given Syria’s diverse religious and sectarian makeup, the future army must reflect this plurality—not become a sectarian or ideologically driven entity.

3. Threat to Syria’s Social Fabric

Injecting religious discourse into the military could deepen societal divisions.
Many Syrians, across ideological lines, want an army that represents everyone, not one segment.
A religiously defined army may discourage large segments of the population from enlisting, creating institutional gaps and paving the way for rival militias or armed groups outside state control.

A Rational and Balanced Perspective

This argument is not driven by personal or ideological motives, but by what best serves Syria and its people—now and in the long term.

A strong, independent, and professional national army must be free from religious or political ideology. 
It should be built on military professionalism and unwavering loyalty to the homeland alone.

Such an army must belong to all Syrians, making every citizen feel represented and protected without discrimination. 
History has shown that ideological armies often devolve into tools of authoritarianism or instruments of internal strife, rather than cohesive national institutions.

Our Vision

We believe that building a modern national army is a foundational step toward the new Syrian state. Therefore, we recommend:

Separating the Army from Any Religious or Political Ideology

The new Syrian army must remain a purely national force, distanced from ideological polarizations.
Its sole loyalty must be to the Syrian nation and its people—not to any religious, political, or doctrinal movement.

Unifying Military Discourse around Shared National Values

Military rhetoric should emphasize values such as safeguarding Syria’s sovereignty, defending its territorial integrity, and protecting all its citizens without bias—rather than invoking religious or sectarian slogans.

Promoting Professional Military Doctrine

The army’s doctrine must be based on discipline, professionalism, and patriotic commitment, in line with global standards.
This approach ensures stability and shields the army from internal divisions and narrow loyalties.

Forging International Partnerships for a Strong National Army

We call for strategic partnerships with countries that support the creation of a modern Syrian army committed to international law and military professionalism. 
Such alliances will reinforce the army’s legitimacy and empower its role regionally and internationally.

Respecting Internal Diversity within the Army

The Syrian army should embody national unity by including Syrians from all backgrounds without exclusion or discrimination. 
This inclusive approach will cultivate a shared sense of belonging and reinforce the army’s role as the protector of the homeland—not a representative of any specific faith or ideology.

Conclusion:

Laying the foundations for a unified, inclusive army—free from religious or political ideologies—is a vital step toward building a stable and forward-looking state.

Syria’s future demands a modern army that represents all its people.

Any deviation from this vision risks repeating the region’s devastating past failures.

The real challenge lies not in the army’s slogans, but in its capacity to defend all Syrians and lead the country into a safer, more unified future—one that honors diversity and meets the aspirations of the entire nation.