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From Aleppo to Damascus: A Civil Movement Worthy of Recognition

Can the equations change if civil society is envisioned to take responsibility for overseeing political parties and movements, or is its role limited to educating and raising awareness among them?
The social civil movement in Damascus represents a glimmer of hope for a better future, as activists aspire to social participation in building a more just and free society. Despite the numerous challenges they face, their determination and insistence on achieving change remain strong. Future political parties and movements may confront these scenarios and deduce the key factors for the continued success of the civil movement in Syrian cities like Damascus and Aleppo. My observations suggest that this movement has effectively contributed to maintaining civil peace and peaceful coexistence in the old neighborhoods of Damascus, which are considered a reservoir of rich Syrian diversity and multiple civilizations, focusing primarily on the shared Syrian identity and the rights of all citizens, both female and male, with a particular emphasis on human rights, and the rights of women and children, creating a common ground among different sectors. Participants recognize that community reconciliation requires trust building and overcoming the disagreements sown by the fallen regime as tools for controlling society. Importantly, participants voluntarily distinguish the civil movement from politics.
In my view, the noticeable social civil movement in Damascus, the Syrian capital, plays a prominent role where revolutionaries and activists are involved. It is bound to bring about radical changes in the social, political, and economic structure of the city, reinforcing the spirit of the values of freedom, justice, and equality. Within this context, it is important to mention some of the Damascus figures who have made notable efforts in sustaining this civil movement, led by both prominent and unannounced personalities. However, the presence of these young individuals compensates for that absence due to their tireless efforts in serving the Damascus community. At the forefront is Dr. Anas Al-Qahouji, who has worked vigorously to prepare young men and women to form a protective shield at the time of the tyrant's fall, considering them the essential cornerstone for building a future Syria based on enlightenment, ethics, science, and development, and establishing security and peace for all. Among these young people are activists Bilal Halwani, Abu Abdu Al-Shaghouri, Abu Issam Al-Shaghouri, Abu Mahmoud Saudi, Abu Fahd Al-Nan, civil activist Mohammad Al-Qazzaz, Nour Halwani, and many others whose names cannot all be mentioned here. We appreciate all their efforts and commend every Syrian who works from their position for Syria and all its sons and daughters. I would also like to commend the role of several female activists who preferred not to disclose their names, affirming that their work is a moral and humanitarian duty aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected Syrian families.
This movement and others spread across several provinces, including Aleppo, where the concept is leaning towards building a healed nation. I believe mentioning these names is not solely due to their involvement in civil work, but also serves as proof that real change begins from the ground up, from those who act without being asked to do so and without any compensation because they are convinced that dedication to issues of justice begins from achieving noble national and humanitarian goals that are not conditional on belonging to political currents or parties, nor even characterized by loyalty to any specific figure, since they work for their belief that religion belongs to God alone and the homeland belongs to all.
The objective summary of this movement is that it is a social expression founded on the historical culture that has shaped the identity of the Syrian individual, with a focus on pressing humanitarian issues, community reconciliation, and reconstruction, which has gained significant welcome from all segments of society, especially since it has avoided opinions and slipping along the political orientations of various parties and political movements.
According to the previous perception, I believe that the continuation of the civil society movement establishes a solid concept for neutralizing civil society from political exploitation and contributes to maintaining the unity and cohesion of the segments of the Syrian society that has gained its freedom to express opinions and participate in shaping national decisions, where "there is no authority above the authority of the people and the constitution."
Is this a part of the positive role model that activists show through their commitment to humanitarian values and citizenship, building strong relationships with the local community, which makes them active partners and observers in enhancing trust in the political process? This, in turn, needs extensive community mobilization as it plays a significant role in building trust between society and the state. Women play a pivotal role in this context, contributing to bolstering values and goals. Standing on these real experiences and supporting them will help develop civil society reconstruction and build extensive community networks that enhance coordination and cooperation among various sectors, thereby preparing a suitable environment for the launch of local social and political life, reassuring businessmen, and encouraging them to implement investment projects that energize the local market and stimulate the flow of foreign investments.
In conclusion, these combined interactions are likely an opportunity driven by appropriate welcome to enhance the chances of building a dialogue environment.
by: Ahmed Mansour
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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