Statement on Idlib Sparks Widespread Controversy Among Syrians
Al-Shibani's remarks triggered heated debate, with some seeing them as an attempt to reassure Idlib’s residents, while others dismissed them as mere political rhetoric detached from reality
March 25, 2025, 6:31 pm

Statement on Idlib Sparks Widespread Controversy Among Syrians

أسعد الشيباني

A statement by Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, sparked widespread reactions after he posted on (X), saying: "Idlib is the heart and soul of the revolution, a refuge for the free and a sanctuary for the oppressed. Its olive trees will pass down stories of resilience for generations. It was a retreat for resistance and a launchpad for liberation, and it will remain the capital of the Syrian revolution."

His remarks came amid growing debate over Idlib’s political status and the tensions surrounding its residents’ situation within Syria, particularly in Damascus.

Al-Shibani’s statement received mixed reactions. Some activists viewed it as an implicit acknowledgment of Idlib’s significance as a stronghold of the opposition, while others dismissed it as political rhetoric that does not reflect reality, questioning whether the government is truly committed to supporting Idlib rather than merely issuing symbolic statements.

On the supportive side, some considered his words timely, reinforcing Idlib’s role in the Syrian opposition’s collective consciousness. Others saw it as an attempt to reassure displaced residents that they remain an integral part of Syria’s future.

Conversely, the remarks triggered a wave of criticism, with some questioning why the government focuses on Idlib while its residents endure dire humanitarian conditions. Some media figures also criticized the large presence of Idlib natives in Damascus, a stance activists condemned as an incitement campaign against displaced individuals.

One of the main points of contention in the debate was the phrase "capital of the revolution." Some commenters argued that Damascus is the true revolutionary capital due to the mass protests it witnessed in the early uprising, while others insisted that Idlib, as the last major opposition stronghold, rightfully deserves the title.

While some believe the government is adopting a more conciliatory tone toward Idlib, others argue that this is merely a political tactic with no real shift in its official stance.

Israeli Army on Homs Base Strike: It Contained "Active Military Capabilities" Lavrov: Russia Needs U.S. Guarantees on the Black Sea

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.