In the interview, Zedoun Al Zoubi explores the challenges of governance and unity in Syria, arguing that decentralization is not just an option but an essential path forward. He emphasizes that the attempt to reunify the country through force has repeatedly failed and will only deepen divisions. Instead, he highlights the importance of enabling local communities to manage their daily affairs, while the central state focuses on sovereign responsibilities such as defense, monetary policy, and foreign relations.

Zedoun carefully distinguishes between decentralization, federalism, and confederalism, noting that while the latter two involve more formal power-sharing, what Syria most urgently requires is a model of decentralization that empowers local governance without threatening national unity. He stresses that decentralization, when rooted in respect and trust, can prevent separatism. Communities like Horan, for example, have shown resilience and the ability to mobilize resources independently, while still choosing to remain tied to the center as long as they feel acknowledged and respected.

He warns against the dangers of extreme centralization, which historically marginalized regions such as Deir ez-Zor and Homs and alienated minorities by denying cultural and linguistic rights. This, he argues, fueled grievances and reinforced calls for separation. For Zedoun, decentralization must not be framed as a demand of one sect or minority but as a tool for national revival, benefiting all Syrians equally.

Dialogue, he insists, is the only viable path forward. Past failures in national dialogue processes stemmed from their tokenism and brevity rather than from the principle itself. He calls for sustained, inclusive discussions involving all political, social, and economic actors across Syria’s regions. Rejecting the demonization of opponents, Zedoun underscores that only through dialogue, power-sharing, and mutual respect can Syria avoid fragmentation and chart a sustainable future built on cooperation rather than coercion.