Syrian Politician Mouaffaq Nyrabia to Welat TV: Syria’s Future Hinges on Political Decentralization Close to Federalism
Welat TV – Erbil
Syrian politician and writer Mouaffaq Nyrabia has called for a democratic, civil, and decentralized transformation in Syria, criticizing the current political trajectory and emphasizing the need for dialogue and wisdom in addressing the country’s challenges.
Speaking during an interview on Special Talk aired on Welat TV, Nyrabia said that Syrian authorities have become more flexible toward the demands of various components of society, stressing his support for “genuine decentralization in which each region has its own administration.”
He elaborated: “Political decentralization means each region should have its own elected government and legislative council,” adding that “Syria needs decentralization, provided there is a clear agreement on its form, one that approaches federalism.”
Nyrabia underlined that “Syrians must reach a healthy and beneficial form of decentralization that preserves the unity of the country,” while noting that handling the question of Syria’s diverse communities requires wisdom and patience from the government.
Civil Democratic Change as the Alternative to Authoritarianism
Expressing concern about the current political path, Nyrabia said: “The political process that has unfolded in Syria is discouraging,” urging a retreat from its existing course and a demonstration of greater flexibility. “None of the goals of the Syrian revolution have been achieved so far,” he asserted. “Revolutionary change means a democratic, civil, decentralized alternative system — ending authoritarian rule and establishing something different.”
He called for the revival of political activism to ensure genuine change, stressing that the next phase must include “the release of all freedoms and adherence to human rights conventions.”
U.S.-Turkey-Israel Understandings and Pragmatism from Damascus
Reflecting on Syria’s trajectory, Nyrabia claimed: “Everything that has happened in Syria was based on U.S.-Turkish-Israeli understandings.” He argued that the Syrian authorities have displayed pragmatism: “Their approach goes beyond mere U.S. recognition. The regime is pragmatic, realistic, and does not oppose direct engagement without barriers.”
He urged both Syrian actors and the authorities to embrace dialogue and wisdom, noting that priorities now include reassessing relations with Israel, with normalization as a possible future stage.
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Syrian-American Relations: Volatile but with Positive Signs
On U.S.-Syrian ties, Nyrabia described the relationship as “volatile and highly reactive,” adding: “It is not always as smooth as it appears.” He noted the unpredictability of the Trump administration, “characterized by improvisation and shifting positions,” but at the same time highlighted “indicators pointing to a positive trajectory in U.S.-Syrian relations and a Washington policy increasingly favoring engagement with the current regime.”
Potential Meeting Between Al-Sharaa and Netanyahu, Security Deal with Israel
Nyrabia revealed the possibility of a meeting in New York between former Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting the visit could include the signing of a security agreement between Syria and Israel. On prospects for future relations, he said an Israeli withdrawal from Mount Hermon was unlikely, citing the site’s strategic and military significance for Israel’s security.