Since the launch of the new era in Syria under President Ahmed Al-Shara, the popular base has been the cornerstone of his support, granting him both political and social legitimacy.

This base, diverse in geography, sect, and class, has not merely been a supportive audience but a crucial pillar for any reformist or national project aiming to rebuild the state and stabilize it.

Erosion of Trust Due to Service Shortages:

One of the main causes of this erosion is the scarcity of essential services and the lack of prioritization of citizens’ daily needs.

Salaries remain insufficient to cover minimum living standards (if they exist), electricity cuts are frequent, water shortages persist, public cleanliness has declined, and peripheral towns are often neglected. 

All these factors make citizens feel that improving their livelihoods is not at the top of the new government’s agenda.

The “Transitional” Narrative and Declining Support:

Beyond service crises, a more dangerous phenomenon has emerged: the growing narrative, both domestically and abroad, that the current era is merely a temporary transitional phase, soon to be replaced.

Some predict this phase will end in October, others by year-end, or in a year and a half. The effect is the same: reinforcing the belief among wide segments that what is happening is just a handover from the Assad regime to the next stage.

As this narrative deepens, popular discontent grows, and the support base withdraws materially and morally. 

The perception that the current phase is a “burning period” discourages prominent figures and influential groups from active participation, pushing them toward isolation.

The Mistake of Exclusionary Rhetoric:

The situation worsens when statements and speeches from some entities carry tones of alienation or marginalization toward specific social groups.

In this sensitive phase, such approaches are strategic mistakes. 

The need is for inclusive rhetoric that embraces all segments, particularly Sunni communities, who are pivotal in countering any “minority alliances” that threaten national unity and balance.

Recommended Measures:

1. Reordering priorities: Ensuring citizen services and addressing daily hardships are the government’s top agenda.
2. Refuting the transitional narrative: Through official messages and field actions, demonstrating that the current era is a long-term stability project, not a temporary stopover.
3. Unifying political discourse: Inclusive of all societal groups, avoiding any rhetoric that alienates or marginalizes segments of the population.
4. Expanding developmental focus: Including surrounding towns and rural areas, not just major centers.
5. Activating citizen communication channels: Guaranteeing citizens’ voices and demands reach decision-making centers directly.

A National Stance that Cannot Hesitate:

Syrians, and particularly Sunni communities, have no choice but to support this new era, offering sacrifices and counsel, fulfilling both ethical and national duties to ensure its success.

We recognize the heavy burden and the great responsibility, and that the desired future will not come easily. 

Therefore, we must collectively work to restore the popular base—the backbone of any national project—and halt its daily erosion. Combating rumors is equally crucial.

The new era cannot achieve all this alone; one hand cannot clap.

Had the law regulating parties and political movements been activated, we could have played a constructive role on the ground, collaborating with cadres, directing efforts, and sending messages so that the state is not the only responsible actor.

Through these channels, other pathways would support the new era, strengthen its popular foundations, and ensure its continuity and ability to deliver results.