New 'Syrian National Bloc' launched, aimed at establishing civil state
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The "Syrian National Bloc" launches to build a civil, democratic Syria, rejecting foreign occupation and dictatorship while calling for political reform and unity.
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Haytham Mannaa, left, Tariq al-Ahmad, middle, Francis Tannous, right, in an interview for Al Mayadeen after the launch of the Syrian National Bloc, September 10, 2025 (Social media)
A group of Syrian figures has announced the formation of the "Syrian National Bloc," declaring its aim to establish a civil, democratic state founded on the principles of citizenship and social justice, with their motto: "Religion belongs to God, and homeland belongs to all."
Haytham Manaa, a member of the Syrian National Bloc's communication committee, read the founding statement at the announcement conference, stressing that the past years have seen the militarization of the Syrian uprising, attempts by external forces to control the Syrian people's destiny, and the occupation of parts of Syrian territory by both the Israeli entity and Turkey.
Manaa further elaborated that the war of annihilation in Gaza has helped shift the global balance of power and alliances, which comes after years of conflict that had profoundly deepened divisions within Syrian society. "Nations seeking to exert influence over Syria's situation have attempted to co-opt the movement by either militarizing or sectarianizing it," he added.
Bloc set to eliminate 'dictatorship recycling'
He affirmed that the purpose of the founding conference was to put a definitive end to the "recycling of dictatorship" under a new, old guise and to call for the establishment of a state based on full and equal citizenship, all in the pursuit of genuine sovereignty and freedom.
Manaa highlighted that the bloc is a peaceful, civil initiative to preserve national unity, preventing societal fragmentation, and guaranteeing freedom of opinion, thought, and conscience, adding that its entire project is founded on clear political pluralism and a participatory democratic system built upon the separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and social justice.
According to Manaa, the ultimate goal is a free and independent Syria, unified through a system of expanded decentralization that arises organically from society itself rather than being imposed by decisions from the capital or various factions. Additionally, another goal is establishing a national army to protect the nation and liberate its occupied territories.
Guiding principles
On his part, Tariq al-Ahmad, a member of the communication committee, outlined the bloc's guiding principles, stating that the geographical and political unity of Syria is an absolute "red line" and that any calls for its partition or secession must be criminalized.
Al-Ahmad firmly emphasized that citizenship must form the very basis of national belonging, with all citizens enjoying equal rights, maintaining that the army, armed forces, and security agencies must remain neutral, entirely independent of the political sphere.
He called for the new constitution to incorporate fundamental guarantees, which include liberating the media and institutionalizing freedom of expression, ensuring full equality between men and women across all three branches of government, prohibiting the incitement of sectarian or ethnic tensions, guaranteeing the right to form political parties and join civil society organizations, and establishing independent constitutional bodies.
Al-Ahmad stated that these principles stand above the constitution itself, representing core, unalterable values that cannot be amended or abolished.
Charter of honor
During her reading of the honor charter, Syrian National Bloc communication committee member Francis Tannous affirmed their shared commitment to building a modern, civil, democratic, national state founded upon the social contract that was established by the founding fathers a century ago under the motto: "Religion belongs to God, and homeland belongs to all."
Tannous also emphasized the state's neutrality toward all religions and beliefs and its commitment to the territorial and popular unity of Syria, affirming a pledge to "reject and resist any occupation of Syrian land by all means sanctioned under international law."
It is noteworthy that the name "Syrian National Bloc" was chosen to evoke a similar political movement from Syria's history during the French Mandate period, when a coalition of various parties and political forces adopted the same name, which played a prominent role in the political struggles of that era.
