Shared Identity and Consensus Unit

What is the Shared Identity and Consensus Unit?

The shared identity unit is one of the components within the Syrian Dialogue Center. It aims to promote a culture of dialogue among the diverse Syrian community. Additionally, it strives to strengthen the collective Syrian identity that unites the entire society. The unit also plays a role in fostering agreement among different segments of the Syrian population. It aims to bridge perspectives and facilitate agreements among various Syrian groups, working towards shared positions on important national matters.

Why Shared Identity and Consensus Unit?

• Consensus cannot be achieved without dialogue, and similarly, dialogue cannot occur without a foundation of trust. Over decades, Syrians have suffered from a lack of trust among themselves due to the dominance of the ‘one opinion’ and ‘one party’ mindset. There is a pressing need to establish and spread this culture of trust among both current and future generations. This, in turn, will create an environment suitable for creating consensus.
• Syrians possess the essential elements and potential to achieve consensus and establish a robust shared identity. Nonetheless, realizing this potential requires meaningful and effective dialogue among these elements
• Overthrowing tyranny and oppression demands more than a single ideology or party. It necessitates individuals from diverse ideological and social backgrounds in Syria uniting to condemn the atrocities committed by the current regime.

Paths of the Shared Identity and Consensus Unit:

The “Tawafuq” or Consensus path aims to achieve agreement among Syrians through research and dialogues on various levels:

• Strategic Syrian consensus: This emphasizes fostering agreement among political actors and society at large regarding a comprehensive Syrian identity.
• The “tactical” positional Syrian consensus: While we firmly uphold the value of diverse opinions as a healthy condition, one that the Assad regime attempted to suppress, the current exceptional circumstances underscore the necessity for internal consensus within Syria. This consensus should be established at the foundational level of stances, acknowledging the potential repercussions arising from varying Syrian and external powers’ dynamics in this context, which could result in significant divisions and fragmentation.
• Shared understanding: It is on a stage lower than reaching consensus. One in which parties listen to each others opinions, even if the dialogue does not result in a direct in consensus or agreement. At this stage, the Center is dedicated to addressing matters characterized by high polarization levels among different factions or even within the groups that provide popular support. The aim is to facilitate a convergence of perspectives or foster mutual understanding among these parties.

The “Bina’a” or construction path involves establishing the necessary conditions for dialogue, utilizing tools such as:

• Enhancing dialogue skills through training and disseminating research on dialogue philosophy and culture.
• Cultivating mutual trust among dialogue participants or among the Syrian groups involved in the dialogue process.