Syrian Citizens Demand Dissolution of Baath Party as Insurgents Take Control

DAMASCUS, Dec. 30, 2024 – In a dramatic shift in Syrian politics, citizens are vociferously calling for the dissolution of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, which has controlled the country since 1963. Following the recent ousting of President Bashar Assad, the party announced it would freeze its activities, marking the end of its six-decade rule.

The streets of Damascus are witnessing a significant symbolic transformation as former Baathists, including military and security personnel, queue at the party’s former headquarters to surrender their weapons and register their details. This building, once a symbol of Baathist power, is now a hub for reconciliation with the new regime led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the insurgent group responsible for Assad’s downfall.

Public sentiment, as voiced by Mohammed Hussein Ali, a former Baath party member, reflects a deep-seated frustration with the party’s governance. “The party should not only be dissolved, it should go to hell,” Ali declared, highlighting the pervasive corruption and isolation from other Arab nations under Baath rule.

Despite the public outcry, HTS has not yet made a formal decision regarding the official status of the Baath party. An HTS official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that while no specific policy has been set, justice will be pursued for those accused of crimes during the party’s reign, potentially including high-ranking Baathists.

The Baath party, originally established by Michel Aflaq and Salaheddine Bitar in 1947 with the vision of Arab unity, has seen its influence wane, particularly after the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. In Syria, it became synonymous with the Assad family’s control, often criticized for its sectarian politics despite its nationalist facade.

Abdul-Rahman Ali, another former party member, expressed relief at the shift in power, noting the oppressive surveillance and fear that characterized Baath rule. “We have been liberated from fear,” he said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many who felt stifled by the party’s authoritarian practices.

Concerns also loom about the potential for sectarian retribution, reminiscent of the de-Baathification process in post-Saddam Iraq, where such actions led to significant Sunni disenfranchisement and subsequent rise in extremism.

In response to the new political climate, former Baath members like Mohammed Merhi are taking steps to integrate into the new order, handing over weapons and expressing hopes for a democratic future where they might explore other political affiliations.

As Syria stands at this pivotal moment, the future of its political landscape remains uncertain, with the populace keenly watching how the new rulers will handle the legacy of the Baath party and the broader implications for national unity and governance.