What just happened in Syria? Syrians themselves are still grappling with this question. After decades of unimaginable suffering, the struggle for freedom has reached a historic turning point. How did this nightmare last so long? How can we defeat Assad’s legacy? And what comes next in the herculean struggle for freedom?
How Did the Nightmare Last So Long?
Assad’s dynasty endured due to his totalitarian blend of all strains of authoritarianism; single-party rule, hereditary monarchy, military dictatorship, and personality cult. He weaponised fear and tried to rewrite history to maintain control. His regime hollowed out the economy through crony capitalism and illicit black-market profiteering while fostering social divisions along sectarian and class lines. Every aspect of life was subordinated to his rule, making survival itself an act of resistance, and free thought a danger to survival.
Ba’thism institutionalised terror through a hybrid ideology of 20th century Nazism & Communism, where surveillance and denunciations turned even personal relationships into potential threats. Residents lived under constant suspicion, knowing that a careless word could mean incarceration, or worse. The regime excelled at manipulating international narratives and further isolating his own people. Every supposed “red line” was crossed, from chemical weapons use to mass starvation sieges, while the world largely looked away. Syrians had to accept this grim reality and resolved to shape their own destiny.
The systematic destruction of trust isolated individuals and communities. Assad ensured no one could rise against him without risking annihilation or social chaos. This deep-rooted fear and mistrust made his downfall seem impossible for decades, until it wasn’t.
How to Defeat Assad’s Legacy?
Defeating Assad’s physical regime meant dismantling the foundations of his oppressive rule – including economic control, and political repression. However, the greater challenge lies in defeating the mental prison his regime built in the Syrian collective psyche. His rule thrived on terror, harbouring mistrust, division, and fear. Reversing this means reclaiming responsibility, confronting the crimes, and rebuilding institutions that can foster a new collective identity.
The first step is reclaiming responsibility. Syrians must take charge of their transitional justice by engaging in politics, civil society, and journalism – spaces previously denied to them. Documenting atrocities, building social infrastructure, and pursuing transitional justice remain moral imperatives, also dampening the fertile ground for chaos and return to dictatorship. The systematic destruction of individuals led to social atomisation, while the systematic destruction of homes fractured communities, leaving most Syrians grappling with mental disorders, and a situation of chronic trauma. Despite this, young grassroots movements emerged from destruction and exile, forming coalitions and demanding change. Syrians must work to overcome personal and communal trauma, rediscovering trust after years of systematic betrayal.
Responsibility means facing the painful legacy of repression. It involves confronting the horrors endured by countless Syrians, from the disappearance of loved ones to widespread torture and mass executions. Assad’s torture factories stand as horrifying symbols of the regime’s brutality and should become cites of remembrance. Honouring the memory of the victims of the most unimaginable crimes in humanity demands more than commemoration – it requires action to prevent its regular reoccurrence from Auschwitz Birkenau to Sednaya to Sde Teiman. International solidarity and advocacy remain crucial to heal this deep wound.
Governance is key and it requires a new social contract. Defeating Assad’s legacy means learning to govern the ungovernable – crafting a shared vision through negotiation, fostering representation, and ensuring the conditions for a healthy social recovery. Facing uncertainty with resolve is the ultimate defiance against his enduring influence. Ending Assad’s legacy also defeating inner prisons built by fear and guilt, and healing is finally possible.
What Comes Next?
Learning from history is crucial, and rebuilding Syria requires confronting generations of chronic trauma. Syria’s rebirth is both a national and individual journey. Every Syrian must confront personal trauma while contributing to the collective healing process. The experience of other nations shows that rebuilding trust is slow but achievable through sustained effort and shared commitment. Lessons from post-war Africa and Europe offer paths to reconciliation, though the journey will be uniquely Syrian. For the first time in decades, Syria has a chance of becoming a vibrant multi-ethnic democracy. Success hinges on fostering unity within a fractured society and gaining support from global allies.
Reconstruction must go beyond physical infrastructure – it must rebuild the social fabric and restore Syria’s role in the world. This involves creating inclusive institutions, ensuring fair representation, and fostering civic engagement and building trust inside and outside Syria. Such institutions need to guarantee equality while avoiding new forms of oppression and favouritism. Education will also play a critical role in redefining Syrian identity, one rooted in shared civil values rather than imposed narratives by geopolitical actors. Finally, principled transitional justice must balance accountability with reconciliation. Trust-building requires acknowledging shared suffering without creating new victims. This includes embracing all Syrian communities – from conservatives to liberals, across ethnic lines, inside and outside Syria.
Defeating Assad was never just about removing a tyrant – it is about reclaiming dignity, ending fear, and building a future where Syrians can believe in a better future for them, the region, and the world. The nightmare is over, but the journey toward freedom – raw, challenging, and uncharted – has just begun.
In Memory of Hamza Al-Khateeb and all the Syrian children who paid the ultimate price for Syria’s freedom.