The Future Leader of Syria

It goes without saying, that despite the fact that Assad has all but lost control of the country, it is still essential that he steps down in order for the bloodshed to end and things to calm down. Given the current situation, it is highly probable that Assad feels himself under a great deal of pressure and that his life is in very real danger, perhaps as much as the late Colonel Muammar Qaddafi. That is why Turkey should work to take Assad, of his own volition and with his family, from Syria to a safe place. Provided that the Russian government is informed, Turkish jets and helicopters can take him out of Syria. He should be allowed to bring a legitimate amount of his possessions and personal wealth out with him, enough for his needs, and it would be very good to ensure the safety of his wife and children first. Assad's fall will not end the clashes in Syria, since far too much blood has been spilled and those whose family members have been killed will undoubtedly seek to vengenge on supporters of the regime. Additionally, the conflict between various ethnic groups and minorities is also expected to intensify unless the new government has a command of the situation through peaceful means. Assad is currently killing Sunnis, but it would be a disaster if the next leader takes action against Alawites in revenge. Such opposition to, or killing of Alawites, Christians or other minorities would be a catastrophe. Turkey and Russia must also take special protective precautions regarding Alawites and Christians so they are treated well; they should warn the opposition, and give guarantees to the Syrians. Neither non-Muslims nor Alawites should be harmed in the slightest way. But if there are people who have been involved in murder, they must be put on trial. They can try them for what crimes they stand accused of, detain them under normal conditions, they can give whatever sentence is fitting and can imprison all the killers in a legitimate way. However, another slaughter would be utterly wrong. Neither Turkey nor Russia should countenance such things as summary executions. The new government should be a representation of all individuals regardless of their ethnicity, religion, sect or ideology and guarantee that no one will face coercion again. Thus, a temporary government can then be set up through common agreement between Turkey, Russia, and other nations until free and fair elections can be held. Of course, the establishment of a democratic government through free elections by the citizens of Syria must be the primary aim but it will be easier to create these conditions if Turkey and Russia become involved as guarantors. The question is what kind of a leader should emerge after Assad's fall. The leader of a democratic government to be established in Syria must guarantee the full rights of all religions and minority populations. He must embrace the Alawites and the Sunnis, Shias, Christians and others. The leader must make people feel that the government will only act against the despots, tyrants, killers and the state within a state inside Syria, and even then only by the most scrupulous and legal means. It is imperative he makes clear that he is not a despot and that he sets out their democratic intentions in a clear, coherent and reassuring manner. With that, God willing, peace will take hold in Syria and life can begin to return to normal for the people of not only Syria. Sinem Tezyapar is a political analyst. https://twitter.com/SinemTezyapar The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.