However, they expressed certain conditions for such reconciliation to be possib
However, they expressed certain conditions for such reconciliation to be possible. For them, forgiveness is conceivable after accountability — the definition of which varies among respondents. Forgetting, however, is not an option for them. Others refused to consider forgiveness at all.
Nevertheless, opportunities to heal communities after the conflict seem to exist at the local level. Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms appealed to a broad swathe of respondents, at least in theory, as well as local committees for fact finding and revealing truth. Thus, demands for accountability remain strong, as we found last year. Efforts to bridge community divides through educational programs, economic development projects, and efforts to reintegrate former combatants were also supported.
Many Can Still Live With Neighbors
Many respondents on both sides said they could imagine living in peace with their neighbors, even if they had taken up arms for the other side, as long as they are Syrian and have not murdered innocents or committed other abuses. This was true even in Aleppo, where the conflict has been particularly intense and the displacement severe. Some kind of accountability in the form of trials or at least a formal apology is a prerequisite, however.
If they were not murderers, and if their hands were not stained with blood, [forgiveness] is possible. Other than that, definitely not.
— Alawi man (pro-regime), 24, Tartous
Reconciliation with the people of this country, that would be ok, but not with criminals who have come from other countries; there is no reconciliation with them. This method is very well-known in the Arab world.
— Kurdish man (pro-regime), 32, Al-Hasakah
We cannot live with them unless we forgive them. But how can we accept the presence of people who helped kill and destroy our country, and let them live with us without them even asking for forgiveness?
— Sunni man (anti-regime), 29, Deir al-Zor
If the person who made a mistake confessed it, why would we not live with them as long as they confessed their fault? Because in the end, he is a son of this country even if he is at wrong, and if he realized his mistake and wants to retreat from it, we have no problem in reconciling with him.
— Sunni man (anti-regime), 27, Aleppo
Forgiveness Is Too Much to Ask for Some
Many others, including refugees and regime supporters, took a particularly strong stand against forgiving those who took up arms against them. These respondents saw their opponents’ behavior as humiliating, criminal, and traitorous.
Of course not, even if they were my brothers. I would never forgive them because they held these weapons in our faces unjustly. — Sunni man (anti-regime), 35, refugee, Jordan
No, I wouldn’t forgive them. These people have betrayed us once, so they can possibly betray us a thousand times more. These people should be punished and banished in order for us to live in peace. These people are not to be trusted; we will still be afraid for our l