Mon Dec 30 13:06:25 UTC 2024: ## Syria Celebrates Assad Regime’s Fall, but Concerns Remain
**Aleppo and Damascus, Syria** – The overthrow of the al-Assad regime in Syria has ushered in an era of unprecedented freedom, marked by openly expressed joy and hope among citizens. Al Jazeera journalist Justin Salhani, reporting from the streets of Damascus and Aleppo, witnessed firsthand the euphoria following the regime’s collapse. For the first time in over five decades, Syrians can openly use words like “dollar,” previously forbidden under the oppressive al-Assad rule, where even innocuous phrases could lead to imprisonment.
Salhani recounts conversations with Syrians expressing relief and hope for the future. One law student, Yamen Sheikh Mukhaneq, described a shift from securing rights through bribery to a newfound faith in the potential of liberation. Fighters who returned as liberators expressed unrestrained joy at being able to freely walk their city’s streets.
However, this newfound freedom is fragile. Many Syrians, particularly those under 60, have only known life under authoritarian rule. Concerns exist regarding the potential for the cult of personality, a hallmark of the al-Assad regime, to re-emerge under new leadership. While the current administration, under Commander-in-Chief Ahmed al-Sharaa, has so far avoided overt displays of power, the shadow of the past remains.
Professor Yousef Ahmad of Aleppo University stressed the importance of avoiding the repetition of past mistakes, emphasizing that no individual should be placed above the nation. The transition is not without its complexities. While the acceptance of US dollars and Turkish lira signifies economic change, anxieties persist regarding the long-term security of free speech and other fundamental rights.
Minority groups, particularly Christians, express specific concerns about their vulnerability in the newly liberated nation. While some report receiving assurances regarding their safety, others remain cautious, highlighting the need for a truly inclusive and democratic Syria that respects the rights of all its citizens, regardless of sect or ethnicity. The reporter notes that the focus on minority concerns, while valid, should not overshadow the wider struggle for universal human rights championed by Syrians across the country.
Ultimately, the future of Syria hinges on the collective efforts of its citizens, activists, journalists, and civil society members in safeguarding the hard-won freedom and building a truly democratic and inclusive nation.
First Piper 