Syria's Turbulent Journey: From Assad's Rule to Hope for the Future

This blog explores Syria's complex history under Assad's dictatorship, the devastating civil war, and the challenges of rebuilding after his downfall.

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12/26/20243 min read

A Region in Turmoil: The Assad Era in Syria

During Assad's rule, not only were chemical weapons used in Syria, but torture camps were also a grim reality. An incident in Tasis changed the Middle East region forever, leading to Syria's destruction as a country. This dangerous war zone saw many governments and dictators toppled. The situation became so grave that tanks were sent to the city of Deraa, and funerals were banned by Assad to curb increasing protests. Such decisions proved to be a major blunder by Bashar al-Assad. The disenchanted Syrian army began to rebel, shooting its own soldiers, marking the onset of Syria’s civil war.

The Imprisonment and Unexpected Freedom of Bashar Barah

On 8 December 2024, 63-year-old writer Bashar Barah woke up in his Syrian prison cell, unaware it was his last day scheduled for execution. Although once a supporter of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, a critical interview on Iran led to his imprisonment. Just as Barah braced for execution, opposition rebels stormed the prison, announcing Assad's fall and liberating him. Bashar Barah’s miraculous escape was echoed by many others due to Assad’s collapse.

Syria’s Historical Roots and Religious Demographics

Before 1918, Syria was part of the Ottoman Empire. Post World War I, European victors divided the region, with Syria under French control until 1946. Post-independence, Syria faced challenges due to its diverse religious demographics, with a Sunni Muslim majority and significant Shia, Alawite, and Christian minorities. Tensions rose when power was held exclusively by Sunni Arab landholders, though the Arab Nationalist Political Party—the Ba'ath Party—offered a secular, socialist alternative.

The Rise of Hafiz al-Assad

After a turbulent post-independence phase of military coups and unions, General Hafiz al-Assad seized power in 1970 establishing dictatorship. Despite belonging to the Alawite minority, he gained public support through economic development and social reforms while brutally suppressing dissent.

Bashar al-Assad’s Market Economy and the Famine

In 2000, Hafiz’s son, Bashar al-Assad, took over, transitioning Syria towards a market-oriented economy. Abolition of public services, rising unemployment, and an unprecedented four-year drought left Syria impoverished, sparking widespread dissatisfaction with Assad’s government.

Arab Spring’s Influence on Syria

Beginning in 2010, the Arab Spring saw protests against dictatorships across the Arab world, toppling governments in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. Inspired, Syrians began protesting against Assad in March 2011, beginning with teenage graffiti in Deraa. Assad’s brutal crackdowns and inflammatory remarks only fanned the flames of rebellion, pushing the country into civil war by July 2011. Disillusioned soldiers formed the Free Syrian Army opposing Assad, igniting a nationwide conflict.

Syria’s Civil War and International Involvement

The civil war saw Syrian National Coalition rebels support by Western and Gulf countries facing off against Assad. Meanwhile, Assad was backed by Shia-majority Iran and Hezbollah. As the conflict intensified, extremist group ISIS exploited the chaos, declaring a caliphate, and drawing further international intervention. Russia supported Assad while Western nations attacked ISIS, complicating the war dynamics.

The Horror of Chemical Weapons and Prison Camps

Both chemical weapons and torture camps, like the Sed Naya Prison, marked Assad’s brutality. International bodies condemned Assad for using chemical warfare against civilians, while Amnesty International labeled Sed Naya a "human slaughterhouse" where tens of thousands perished.

ISIS’s Rise and Fall

During the civil war, ISIS gained control over vast territories across Syria and Iraq, terrorizing minorities and committing atrocities, prompting global opposition. Efforts by the US-led coalition and regional armies, including Syria’s, reclaimed most territory from ISIS by 2019.

Assad’s Collapse and the Call for Reformation

In 2024, with Assad's allies distracted by international conflicts, Syrian rebels revived an offensive, seizing Aleppo. With crumbling domestic support, Assad fled, leading to jubilation by Syrians celebrating freedom from dictatorship. However, the rebels' extremist roots pose ongoing threats to minoritAsia and future governance.

Conclusion: Hope Amid Uncertainty

Syria's 14-year civil war resulted in over 500,000 deaths and millions displaced, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The international community now eyes Syria's efforts to rebuild and establish a stable, inclusive governance amidst fears of extremist influence. Only time will reveal if Syria can secure a brighter future post-Assad.