In post-civil war Syria, educators and citizens express newfound freedom after the fall of the Assad regime, with schools shedding symbols of oppression. The Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTC) now governs, fostering hope amidst the trauma of conflict. While some soldiers emphasize rebuilding over revenge, concerns about women’s rights linger, as traditional expectations clash with personal freedoms. Despite fears of renewed oppression, many Syrians remain hopeful, particularly with the recent release of prisoners from the brutal Sednaya prison.
“Photos of Hafez al-Assad and Bashar al-Assad adorned these walls,” states the principal of a school in Damascus, gesturing towards a now barren space. These reminders of the dictatorial regime have been discarded by the educators. “At last, we can express our thoughts freely. This is true freedom,” beams one teacher, radiating joy, in a report featured prominently in the media.
The Aftermath of a Long Struggle
After enduring 13 years of civil conflict and 54 years of oppressive rule, the people of Syria yearn for liberation. The newly established authority in Damascus, the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTC), has toppled the dictator’s forces. Yet, the pressing question remains: can these former insurgents rebuild the war-torn nation? “The fear and violence have diminished,” shares a student in a classroom setting. “Initially, the sounds of battle terrified me. But when Bashar al-Assad fled, I felt joy because of the suffering he inflicted on so many,” adds a fellow student.
Ali, a 40-year-old soldier returning to Damascus after eight years in exile in Idlib, offers a humble perspective. “We aren’t heroes. People might think that due to their long oppression under the regime,” he remarks. An English teacher who joined the HTC forces in 2011, he fought in Jobar, a neighborhood heavily bombarded during the dictatorship’s reign. “That was eight years ago. There are still mines hidden here. Many of my comrades lost their lives in this place,” he recounts, reflecting on the devastation.
As an HTC fighter responsible for securing vital areas, Ali emphasizes the importance of rebuilding rather than seeking vengeance. “No one should live in fear. Only those directly involved in murder or war crimes will face justice,” he reassures a local resident. The new Islamist administration is taking a cautious approach. “We are not terrorists. If we were, you wouldn’t be here,” insists the mayor of Damascus, a product of HTC, while addressing reporters in formal attire.
Women’s Rights in the New Regime
What changes lie ahead for women’s rights? “Issues related to gender relations and the moral standards of the Syrian populace, especially concerning attire, fall under the jurisdiction of the new government,” responds the Justice Minister somewhat ambiguously. Ali, however, is more direct. As a devout Muslim, he advocates for adherence to Islamic law. “The expectation is that women dress modestly, covering their hair and avoiding form-fitting clothing. Even Christian women should wear veils,” states the HTC fighter.
Dima, a 36-year-old Muslim woman, expresses her relief at the dictator’s downfall but also cherishes her freedom to wear what she likes, including pants and stylish tops. “I visited a restaurant yesterday; for now, our daily lives remain unchanged,” she observes. “There’s a lingering fear. The thought of returning to the brutality of Daesh terrifies us,” she admits while speaking to the camera.
Dima’s wardrobe lacks any Islamic garments. “These ripped jeans might soon be a thing of the past. If oppression returns, I will seek asylum in France,” she declares, clutching a dress. “We hope the HTC will not impose tyranny on us. Damascus is a cultured city, and I believe the people will resist any attempts at restriction,” adds one of her visiting nieces. With hope for the future, Syrians are finding solace in the recent release of hundreds of men, women, and children from “the human slaughterhouse” of Sednaya, a prison emblematic of the former regime’s brutality.