Syria: Joyous Celebrations Erupt After Assad’s Fall
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Damascus,Syria – A wave of jubilation swept through Damascus this past Friday as thousands of Syrians gathered at the historic Umayyad Mosque. The occasion? The ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, a moment many thought unimaginable just a week prior.Families,alongside armed members of the victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group,filled the streets,a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that had defined the city for years.
The scenes echoed the early days of the 2011 uprising, when pro-democracy protests frequently followed Friday prayers.Though, this was a first for Damascus, a city long considered a stronghold of the Assad regime. Former rebel fighters even posed for photos with children, their assault rifles momentarily set aside, a testament to the dramatic shift in power.
“We are gathering becuase we’re happy syria has been freed, we’re happy to have been liberated from the prison in which we lived,” said Nour Thi al-Ghina, 38, her voice brimming with emotion. “This is the first time we have converged in such big numbers and the first time we are seeing such an event,” she added, her joy palpable. “We never expected this to happen.”
The victory parade extended beyond the mosque,spilling into the ancient streets and squares of the Old City. Mohammed Shobek,a 30-year-old HTS fighter,captured the mood. “we’ve finished the war in Syria and started praying for peace, we started carrying flowers, we started building this country and building it hand in hand,” he told AFP, a rose tucked into the barrel of his kalashnikov.
the 13-year Syrian civil war, ignited by Assad’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in 2011, left an indelible mark on the nation. The conflict claimed the lives of over half a million people and displaced millions more, creating a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. The international community watched with concern as the conflict unfolded, raising questions about the role of outside powers and the future of the region.
Amidst the celebrations, a powerful chant resonated through the crowds: “One, one, one, the Syrian people is one!” Many waved the Syrian independence flag, a symbol of opposition throughout the conflict. The sight of these flags, once a perilous act under Assad’s rule, now filled the streets, sold openly by vendors around the mosque.
The fall of Assad marks a pivotal moment in Syrian history, raising hopes for a future free from violence and oppression. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, with important challenges lying ahead in rebuilding the nation and fostering lasting peace. The international community will be closely watching the developments in Syria as the country navigates this critical juncture.
Syrian Revolution: Damascus Erupts in celebration After Assad’s Fall
Damascus, Syria – In a stunning turn of events, Syrian rebel forces have ousted President Bashar al-assad, triggering widespread celebrations across the capital. The swift victory,achieved in less than two weeks,marks a significant turning point in the long-running Syrian conflict and has sent shockwaves throughout the region.
The Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS),led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani),launched a lightning offensive last month,seizing control of Damascus and effectively ending Assad’s decades-long rule. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported in 2022 that over 100,000 people had perished in Assad’s prisons as 2011, highlighting the brutality of his regime.
Al-Sharaa urged citizens to take to the streets to celebrate what he called “the victory of the revolution.” Thousands heeded his call,gathering outside the Umayyad Mosque for Friday prayers,the first as Assad’s removal.Images of those detained in Assad’s prisons, with relatives’ phone numbers inscribed, were displayed on the mosque’s outer walls, a poignant reminder of the past.
Mohammad al-Bashir, an HTS member, has been appointed as interim prime minister, tasked with leading a transitional government until March 1. in his first address to worshippers at the Umayyad Mosque,he emphasized the interim government’s commitment to establishing the “rule of law” after years of abuses under Assad’s regime.
Omar al-Khaled, a 23-year-old tailor from Idlib, traveled to Damascus for the first time to witness the celebrations. “It was my dream to come to Damascus,” he said. “I can’t describe my feelings. Our morale is very high and we hope that Syria will head towards a better future. People were stifled… but now the doors have opened to us.”
Amani Zanhur, a 42-year-old computer engineering professor, expressed her joy at attending prayers in the new Syria. “There can be nothing worse than what was. We cannot fear the situation,” she stated, adding her support for a state based on Islamic teachings. She also revealed that many of her students had disappeared in Assad’s prisons.
The jubilant atmosphere was palpable. Thousands gathered in Umayyad Square, raising a large rebel flag and chanting. Amina Maarawi,a 42-year-old Islamic preacher wearing a white hijab,summarized the sentiment of many: “Let’s not discuss details that might separate us now and focus only on what brings us together: our hatred for Bashar al-assad.”
The long-term implications of Assad’s ouster remain uncertain, but the celebrations in damascus offer a powerful symbol of hope for a new chapter in Syria’s history. The transition to a stable and just society will undoubtedly be a complex and challenging process, but the outpouring of joy suggests a widespread desire for lasting peace and change.
A New Dawn in Damascus: Inside the Celebrations following Assad’s Ouster
After years of brutal conflict, Damascus erupted in jubilation this past friday as news spread of President Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power. Thousands flooded the streets, converging on the historic Umayyad Mosque to celebrate the end of an era. To unpack this momentous occasion,we spoke with Dr. Layla Ibrahim, a Middle East expert and author of Rebellion and Resilience: The Syrian Uprising.
A City Transformed
Senior Editor: Dr. Ibrahim, the images emerging from Damascus show a city transformed. Can you describe the importance of these celebrations and what they tell us about the current mood in syria?
Dr. Ibrahim: it’s absolutely remarkable.For years, Damascus was a symbol of Assad’s control, crackling with tension and fear.Now, we see families joyfully embracing, rebel fighters posing for pictures with children – a powerful visual representation of the shift in power. This isn’t just about the end of Assad’s rule; it’s about the reclaiming of public life,a sense of liberation that’s palpable even from afar.
Once Unthinkable Unity
Senior Editor: Reports mention chants of “One, one, One! The Syrian People is One!” What dose this unity signify after years of a deeply divided conflict?
Dr. Ibrahim: The chant speaks volumes. While the Syrian Civil War tragically fractured communities along sectarian and political lines, this outburst of unified celebration points to a desire for reconciliation. It’s a testament to the shared yearning for peace and a better future that transcends the divisions that were so ruthlessly exploited during the war.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Hopes
Senior Editor: The joy is undeniable, but what are the key challenges Syria faces now as it enters this uncertain new chapter?
Dr. Ibrahim: Rebuilding a nation torn apart by years of war is a monumental task. There are immense structural challenges – addressing the humanitarian crisis, restoring basic services, rebuilding infrastructure. There are also deeply rooted political and social fissures that need healing. But the spirit of hope and unity displayed in Damascus offers a powerful foundation for the daunting task ahead.
senior Editor: Dr. Ibrahim, thank you for shedding light on this momentous moment for Syria and for offering your insights into the path forward.
Dr. Ibrahim: It is my pleasure. The world is watching Syria closely, and it’s essential to remember that the journey to lasting peace will require sustained international support and a commitment to inclusive governance that reflects the voices and aspirations of all syrians.