In the aftermath of Syria’s prolonged conflict, calls for “civil peace” have multiplied—but often remain symbolic or divisive. This article argues that civil peace is not a mere ideal, but a national necessity. It cannot be achieved through superficial reconciliations, punitive justice, or sectarian narratives. Instead, the authors present six guiding principles—proposed not as a final blueprint but as an invitation to meaningful dialogue toward a shared and inclusive future.

1. The Victory of a People, Not a Sect: The revolution must be framed as a collective rejection of authoritarianism—not as a sectarian conflict. Syria’s victory belongs to all its people, and the post-conflict narrative must resist exclusionary interpretations.

2. Citizenship over Majority–Minority Framing: Civil peace requires redefining identity politics around equal citizenship, not sectarian quotas. Citizenship must guarantee rights and protections for all Syrians, regardless of identity.

3. Raison d’État and State Legitimacy: A functioning, inclusive state is essential for peace. Rebuilding state institutions must avoid authoritarian relapse while also preventing total collapse, with civil society playing a complementary role.

4. Safeguarding the Center: Syria must protect moderate voices from being drowned out by extremes. A resilient political center rooted in pluralism and dialogue is crucial to restoring national cohesion.

5. Inclusion Beyond Tokenism: Representation must be meaningful and merit-based, not symbolic or quota-driven. True inclusion requires space for youth, women, and marginalized voices to participate in shaping the future.

6. Justice with Moral Courage: Justice must be restorative and principled—not a tool for vengeance or impunity. Transitional justice should include selective prosecutions, truth-telling, reintegration, and institutional reform.

The article closes with a call to action: Syrians must move beyond slogans and begin rebuilding trust and dignity. Civil peace will require courage, dialogue, and a renewed social contract based on shared values.