In the haunting remnants of Saraqib, traces of its role in the 2011 Arab Spring endure, emblazoned on walls with defiant messages like “The revolution will go on” and “Tomorrow the sun rises.” Just a week after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), pushed back against Bashar al-Assad, this town became a poignant stop on the Guardian’s journey along Syria’s M5 highway, which stretches through vital cities and provinces. The pervasive suffering unfolds in scenes: children scavenging for food in Aleppo and families frantically searching for missing loved ones amid the grim reality of Damascus’s prisons.
In Idlib, displaced individuals occupy tents, grappling with the aftermath of their quest for freedom. Although sectarian tensions are resurging, the spirit for liberty that fuelled Syria’s uprising has not diminished. Interviews in HTS’s stronghold revealed a thirst for open dialogue after decades of oppression, as individuals expressed a profound yearning for human rights and dignity, with Hussein al-Khaled stating, “We paid a high price for basic human rights, for our dignity.”
The capture of Saraqib was crucial for Assad, reconnecting Damascus with Aleppo. This strategic regaining forced opposition forces further north, amidst ongoing violence that lingers in the aftermath of HTS’s offensive. Despite being labelled a terrorist organisation by the West, HTS has established a semblance of stability in Idlib after years of conflict with other Islamist factions.
Idlib’s population has swelled to approximately four million, drawing many fleeing regime violence from various regions. Mohammed, a street vendor, immigrated from the devastated Raqqa and declared Idlib the safest place in Syria. Unlike much of the country suffering under sanctions and corruption, Idlib thrives with services like 4G internet and hospitals, aided by Turkey’s support.
However, this prosperity is overshadowed by the stringent rules imposed by HTS. Under its governance, dissenting voices are silenced, leading to arrests and repression against minority groups. Although women are not officially required to wear conservative attire, social pressures remain strong, as a female activist lamented her fear for her daughters’ futures under such oppressive conditions.
As HTS consolidates its control, concerns arise about potential expansion of its rule beyond Idlib. In Aleppo, a city devastated by Assad’s airstrikes, residents who endured years of hardships are wary. Joseph Fanoun, an antiques shop owner, recounted an unexpectedly cordial encounter with HTS fighters. But underneath the surface, doubts linger about HTS’s commitment to inclusiveness and protection of minority rights amidst fears of civil liberties violations.
Homs bears the scars of brutality from the early days of the revolution, with entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble. The remnants of homes serve as a chilling reminder of the cost of rebellion, evidenced by graffiti proclaiming loyalty to Assad. While some residents can return, the question remains: what is left for them? Ali Nadaz returned to find his home desolate and empty.
Damascus, relatively sheltered from the conflict, finds its residents grappling with their loyalties as opposition fighters now roam their streets. Ironically, in Abbasid Square, pro-democracy protests are re-emerging, signalling a dramatic shift in public sentiment. Nawara al-Baridi voiced the yearning of the youth for a Syria encompassing all its citizens, stating, “We are not afraid to express our opinions as we were before, but we hope there is no fear of other things in the future.”
Ultimately, Syria’s future remains uncertain, as memories of the Arab Spring resonate deeply within a nation marked by war and loss. Yet, amid the shadows of the past, a glimmer of hope arises as citizens strive to forge a new, inclusive narrative for their beleaguered homeland.
In the aftermath of the Syrian revolution, Saraqib stands as a symbol of enduring hope amid suffering. As HTS establishes control in Idlib, prosperity contrasts with authoritarian rule, sparking concerns about civil liberties. Residents of cities like Aleppo and Homs confront the ruins of their pasts, while a burgeoning desire for democracy echoes in Damascus’s streets. The future of a united Syria hangs in the balance as its people navigate the complexities of their fight for freedom.
Syria’s ongoing struggles highlight the resilience of its people in the pursuit of human rights and dignity. The juxtaposition of hardship and nascent freedoms reveals a complex national landscape. While HTS provides some stability, its authoritarian governance raises concerns about future prospects for democracy and equality, particularly for women and minority groups. Ultimately, the path forward remains uncertain, shaped by both the scars of the past and the hopes for a brighter future.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
