• 29 Apr, 2026

After decades of policies that deepened divisions within Syrian society, Homs is now searching for a new path toward coexistence and rebuilding trust among its diverse communities. Years of authoritarian rule, enforced political uniformity, and sectarian manipulation left deep social fractures that widened further during the 2011 uprising and the subsequent siege, displacement, and conflict.

In this context, Syria TV conducted a series of interviews with residents of Homs—including academics, youth, and civil society activists—to explore their views on community reconciliation and the challenges of restoring social cohesion in the city.

“The problem is not between communities”

Angela Awad, a university professor in Homs, emphasizes that coexistence among the city’s different groups has always existed despite the difficulties. She explains: “We live in the same buildings, sharing the same spaces. People naturally communicate. The problems were never between communities, but with certain individuals.”

Angela believes that schools and religious leaders play a crucial role in promoting awareness and strengthening the culture of coexistence. She also predicts that Homs could become a model of civil peace in Syria, while areas inhabited by a single group remain more vulnerable to isolation.

“The solution is equal application of the law”

Mohammad Al‑Homsi, who returned to Homs after liberation and had defected from the Fourth Division in 2011, argues that rebuilding a social contract requires equal enforcement of laws across all communities, and a newly formed government with an elected president.

He notes that years of conflict and repeated displacement have reshaped social relations. As a practical step toward coexistence, he proposes reinstating mandatory military service, which would bring together young people from different backgrounds and foster mutual understanding.

Challenges Ahead… But Hope Remains

Participants agree that reconciliation will not be easy. Rebuilding trust requires:

       Clear transitional justice

         Equal application of the law

         Neutral state institutions

         Community‑driven initiatives to reconnect people

Despite the deep wounds, many believe that Homs has a real opportunity to restore its social fabric, especially as residents return to their neighborhoods and a new phase of dialogue and openness begins.