Syrian diaspora marks Assad’s fall with cautious optimism

One year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, members of the Syrian diaspora in the United States celebrated the occasion but continued to reflect on the country’s political transition with cautious optimism, The New Arab and agencies reported on December 8th. 

Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government has made strides in establishing a renewed Syrian presence on the world stage, particularly through building positive relations with the US, as well as hosting a  UN security council for the first time in the country’s history. However struggles at home remain apparent, with intermittent electricity and internet, sectarian tensions, and continued Israeli attacks. Despite this Syrians have taken to the streets in celebration of their newest national day as optimism for a brighter future persists after decades of authoritarian rule. 

Members of the Syrian diaspora worldwide continue to return to their homeland following the ouster of the Assad regime. Ayman Abdel Nour, a Syrian political consultant and longtime opposition figure who has lived in Los Angeles for 15 years, returned to Damascus ahead of the anniversary. Like many Syrians, he wanted to witness the country’s transformation firsthand.  Abdel Nour reiterated optimism about the new leadership however, warned of daunting tasks ahead, particularly rebuilding the economy, restoring infrastructure, stabilising rural areas, as well as mending fractured relationships among Syria’s religious communities.

Sectarian tensions remain a major challenge, as earlier this year, hundreds of Alawites were killed and many Christians were displaced in western Syria, while recent clashes in Sweida left hundreds dead. “The crucial point is to have better management toward civil peace,” Abdel Nour said. “Bringing sects together needs more attention. Everybody is praying for a better economy, and that will start with lifting sanctions.”

For some, Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty are important to address. Colorado-based Syrian Hamid Imam stated, “If they make peace with Israel without getting the occupied land back—that’s a red line for me,”. Al-Sharaa continues to urge for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Syrian territory.

The New Arab and agencies, Maghrebi.org