Successful Projects Between Efficiency and Local Specificity
By: Muslim Sheikh Hassan – Kobani
Modern administrative and political literature agrees that any development or administrative project that is not based on solid institutional foundations and clear standards of good governance is prone to instability and potential failure. The success of public projects is measured not only by their launch phase, but also by their sustainability and their ability to achieve their objectives in a stable environment characterized by efficiency, accountability, and harmony with the social reality in which they operate.
From this perspective, the principle of “the right person in the right place” is a fundamental pillar of public administration theory. Comparative experiences confirm that entrusting responsibilities to individuals with professional experience and specialized knowledge is essential for the effective functioning of institutions. Administrative leadership is not just a symbolic role; it is a complex process requiring analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and an in-depth understanding of society's structure and needs.
This principle is especially crucial in areas with specific cultural, social, and political characteristics, where local knowledge is vital for the success of public policies. An official from the same environment is usually more aware of its sensitivities and more willing to build bridges of trust between the administration and society. This contributes positively to institutional stability and social cohesion. This approach is not about promoting regional isolationism; rather, it is a practical approach based on merit and effectiveness.
On the contrary, the reality in Syria in recent decades shows that ignoring this principle has led to a widening gap of trust between the state and society. The Assad regime has repeatedly relied on centralized appointment policies that did not consider local specificities or strict merit-based criteria. This has had a negative impact on administrative performance and increased development imbalances. With the accumulation of political and economic crises, this approach has become a structural factor that has weakened the state's ability to respond effectively to challenges.
In this context, the Syrian government's recent decision to appoint someone from outside the Kobani region appears misguided, particularly given that this approach has been attempted before without success. Syria, with its diverse Arab and Kurdish population, has suffered greatly from policies that ignored local specificities and failed to adhere to standards of competence and integrity. Repeating this mistake today could have grave consequences for everyone.
Appointing qualified individuals from the region to positions of responsibility is not a matter of emotion or narrow politics, but rather a choice based on the logic of modern governance and the principles of administrative decentralization, which have become the cornerstone of contemporary systems of government. When applied within the framework of the state and its legal unity, decentralization increases participation, improves the efficiency of services, and supports long-term stability.
Therefore, any serious reform process in Syria must re-evaluate the mechanisms for appointing and managing human resources within the public sector, establishing them on the basis of competence, transparency, and integrity, while considering local specificities within a broader national context. Good governance is not a theoretical luxury, but a political and developmental necessity that can ensure a more stable and just future for all members of society.