In a surprising transformation, former fears of government persecution have given way to a sense of pride among Syrians who were once labeled as "wanted" by the Assad regime.
Syria's Distorted Honor: From Fear to Pride in the Shadows of the Assad Regime
Syria's Distorted Honor: From Fear to Pride in the Shadows of the Assad Regime
As Syrians navigate their tumultuous post-civil war landscape, a curious shift is occurring around the stigma of being "wanted" by the old regime.
When Kazem Togan returned to Syria after over a decade, he had an unexpected conversation at passport control. The agent informed him with a smile that he was listed as "wanted" by the intelligence branch—an announcement that filled Togan, a journalist for opposition media, with excitement. In a nation long ruled by terror under Bashar al-Assad, being on such a list was previously a terrifying prospect, often leading to imprisonment or worse for those identified. However, this sentiment has shifted dramatically.
Now, it's common for Syrians to inquire if they have a name on those infamous lists, treating it almost like a badge of honor, indicating their resistance against a brutal regime. "Today, every Syrian asks as a matter of routine, ‘Was I wanted?’ Anyone who was detained by the Assad regime or wanted by the Assad regime, there is a measure of pride," Togan reflected.
Under Assad's rule, the threat of government lists loomed heavily over citizens, resulting in a culture of fear for decades. Now, instead of concealing their backgrounds, many are sharing their stories of former persecution proudly on social media, finding strength and solidarity in their shared experiences of defiance against oppression in a long-repressed society. This transformation encapsulates the complexities of national identity and resilience in a country navigating its severely altered future.
Now, it's common for Syrians to inquire if they have a name on those infamous lists, treating it almost like a badge of honor, indicating their resistance against a brutal regime. "Today, every Syrian asks as a matter of routine, ‘Was I wanted?’ Anyone who was detained by the Assad regime or wanted by the Assad regime, there is a measure of pride," Togan reflected.
Under Assad's rule, the threat of government lists loomed heavily over citizens, resulting in a culture of fear for decades. Now, instead of concealing their backgrounds, many are sharing their stories of former persecution proudly on social media, finding strength and solidarity in their shared experiences of defiance against oppression in a long-repressed society. This transformation encapsulates the complexities of national identity and resilience in a country navigating its severely altered future.
