Abdullah Al-Haqim 
The cherished study is discussed “identity and the formation of the state in multi -sectarian societies: between patriotism and sectarianism in Syria” for the researcher specializing in Syrian affairs, the author of “Revolution from Above” “Revolution in Syria from the top”, Raymond Hinnebousch, the relationship between identity and the formation of the state in the Middle East and North African societies, with a focus on the Syrian situation.
The study reviews how the sectarian and national mixture affects the formation of state institutions, and the impact of these institutions in its role in this mix. The study stops at the results of the distorted export of the “Westpall” state system to the Middle East and North Africa, which has produced a structural context characterized by the multiplicity of identities and the presence of hybrid states, where national and sectarian identities compete and coexist together.
The study also analyzes the factors that explain the diversity of identity patterns in the region and its potential impact on the formation of the state, and explores the impact of the formation of the state and its institutions on the balance between patriotism and sectarianism, considering that the partial failure of the state led to the strengthening of excluded extremist sectarianism at the expense of patriotism.
The study highlights that the most complex and changing policies in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa fall between the poles of patriotism and sectarianism, and it shows that understanding the mutual relationship between identity and the formation of the state requires an analysis of the structural and historical context of each case separately, that is, the context of the development of the state and the context of identity.
Syria is a complex model for national, sectarian and ethnic pluralism in the Middle East, as it includes various components that include Sunnis, Shiites (Twelver, Ismailia, Alawites), Kurds and Druze, and Christians, as well as other demographic groups. This social mosaic, which was a source of cultural richness, has become a major challenge to the concept of the national state.
In this context, the concept of constitutional patriotism is highlighted as a framework that can contribute to building a modern state in Syria that respects diversity and guarantees the rights of all its components.
Last Tuesday (March 10), the Syrian scene witnessed an important and sudden development, represented in the agreement between Syrian President Ahmed Al -Shara and the Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi, which stipulated the integration of civil and military institutions affiliated with the Kurdish self -administration within the framework of the Syrian state.
The concept of constitutional patriotism refers to loyalty to the constitution and common democracy values, rather than ethnic or sectarian loyalties. In the context of a multi -identity state, such as the Syrian state, this concept can be the basis for building a state that respects diversity and guarantees the rights of all its citizens, by adopting a constitution that reflects democratic values and human rights, and enhances national affiliation based on equal citizenship, which reduces tensions between the various components that usually result from the adoption of traditional patriotism that is based on feelings and cultural or ethnic affiliation, whether real or understanding. Therefore, the constitutional patriotism represents a mechanism to overcome this traditional, transmitted structure on a closed identity, to make the citizen in a state of legal and moral commitment to state institutions and principles; This is because in modern democratic systems, loyalty to the constitution is stronger than loyalty to individuals, which guarantees the continuity of the state even when changing leaders and governments.
Constitutional patriotism is not a theoretical hypothesis, but rather a successful historical experience that can be guided in the Syrian situation and in other countries in the region that suffers from excessive sectarian and sectarian identities (Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon …).
Here we invoke a leading experience of German experience; After the fall of the Nazi regime in 1945, Germany faced great difficulties in rebuilding its national identity, as it became difficult to adhere to the traditional concepts of patriotism that was formulated by the Nazi regime, which centered on the sovereignty of the Jearian Aryan race, which resulted in a devastating global war. In this context, the concept of “constitutional patriotism” appeared as an alternative to national patriotism, and Jurgen Habermas was one of the most prominent theorists; He believes that patriotism should not be based on race, nationalism, or common history, but rather on citizens ’commitment to liberal and democratic constitutional principles.
Therefore, the March 10 agreement between Sharia and Abdi is a step that can lead to constitutional patriotism in Syria, as it seeks to integrate various components within the framework of the state, while confirming its rights and ensuring its fair representation. Undoubtedly, the road will not be furnished with flowers, whether in terms of internal differences and contradictions or in terms of the external factor, without forgetting the stalled development economic legacy of the Baath experience.
