The Institute of Global Politics welcomed Syria’s Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, for an engaging roundtable discussion with students.
SIPA Dean Emerita Lisa Anderson moderated the discussion between al-Mustafa and Jon Finer, former principal deputy national security advisor in the Biden administration and IGP Carnegie Distinguished Fellow.
Al-Mustafa emphasized how the deep humanitarian and societal scars left over from the war impeded the new government of Syria’s ability to rebuild and put the country back together.
“The new Syrian government inherited a bureaucracy with weak institutions,” al-Mustafa said, stressing the need for the government to reestablish public trust and engage in civil discourse.
A key priority, al-Mustafa said, is to create a professional and objective press rooted in transparency, as building constructive and professional journalism is a gradual process.
Beyond Syria’s borders, al-Mustafa said that the government is striving to reintroduce the country into the world and region. He urged the international community to assist in Syria’s rebuilding and support the nation’s reconciliation efforts.
“Change is often not a linear path towards success,” Finer noted, adding “but everybody is invested in Syria’s success.”
Mazen
