The current behaviour of the Syrian government has undone much of the progress we achieved over the past two months as Syrians abroad. They have weakened the legitimacy of our demands for the immediate and unconditional lifting of unilateral sanctions and thea complete suspension of terrorism-related sanctions, in exchange for a principled commitment to the foundations of just and civil governance.

In my view, President Al-Sharaa can turn the catastrophe of the ongoing massacre against Alawites into an opportunity by:

1. Acknowledging the widespread sectarian violations and assuming partial responsibility for them as the Commander-in-Chief of the army and security forces.

2. Rejecting violence against civilians and reaffirming civic identity as the foundation for coexistence, while rejecting the use of narrow religious and ethnic affiliations as criteria for accountability, particularly outside the law.

3. Committing to holding all human rights violators accountable, including those responsible for inciting violence, as well as those who have called for an organized military uprising against the Syrian state, as direct contributors to the explosion of violence.

In my opinion, if these messages are sincere, they will strengthen Al-Sharaa’s position on the international stage and turn this true catastrophe into an opportunity while also increasing his popularity at home. Otherwise, the alternative could be a true disaster for everyone.