jordan pulse -

​By Film and Television Producer Issam Hajjawi
​I was, am, and will remain opposed to the former Assad regime, against the authoritarian and oppressive doctrine that ruled Syria for decades, and against anyone who participated in, justified, or covered up crimes and violations.
​My stance was never born of circumstance or self-interest; rather, it is a conviction I hold regarding what occurred in Syria and the heavy price the Syrian people paid in blood, freedom, and future.
​However, my rejection of that regime does not mean I possess the absolute truth, nor does it grant me the right to antagonize anyone simply because they disagree with me.
​I may fundamentally disagree with you, reject your position entirely, and debate you vigorously, but I will respect your right to hold your own opinion and conviction, provided you do not justify a crime or incite violence or hatred.
​Freedom is not demanding that you respect my opinion while refusing to hear yours.
​True freedom is defending my right to disagree while respecting your right to do the same.
​Our region has long suffered from the culture of "either you are with me or you are my enemy".
​It is time we learn that political and intellectual differences should not destroy friendship, erase affection, or turn citizens of the same homeland into adversaries.
​We can disagree as we wish…
We can debate as we wish…
But we remain human beings who respect one another.
​Homelands are not built on a single opinion, and freedom is incomplete unless we accept that others have the right to disagree with us.
​Source: Rum News Agency