Upholding the Oath to Preserve the Homeland

"I will do all that is within my power to preserve and protect the homeland" Bashar al-Asad, 2000.

The crisis in Syria, after ten months of continuous demonstrations and violence, has reached a critical point. The crisis, thus far, was consumed by its daily violent developments to the extent that stakeholders almost lost the essence of a fundamental principle: preserving the homeland.

The emotional violent upheaval that is entrenching both sides in their stated positions is clouding the idea of Syria as a state for all, and a protector of all. It is not a surprise that both the Syrian opposition and the Syrian regime hold fundamentally different views on governance, but what is alarming is that both sides are willing to test the endurance of the other side till the bitter end.

The crisis in Syria is not about whose reported casualty numbers are more accurate, or which side inflicted the most devastating blow . The crisis in Syria is passed the point of who is capable of massing a greater number of supporters, or whose eye witness reports are more authentic, or who will fund a better PR campaign the next day, or who is collaborating with "enemies". The crisis is building up and producing cracks in the very foundations of Syria as a state.

The critical facts on the ground call on the president to step down and allow for a peaceful transition to take place.

6,000 casualties silenced the rhetorical discussions of reform by the regime. 6,000 casualties tainted the wall of achievements of the current administration. The amount of destruction and death, of civilians and military, have stripped this government of any moral standing.

It is at this time in history where a president needs to fulfill his oath to protect the homeland. Stepping down as president and allowing for a peaceful transition is a political decision fulfilled through a moral obligation for an idea.

An idea that Syria can be a homeland for all.