Life After Conflict: Syria is at its peak…and these are its routes and crossings!”>Qusayr Residents Recount Hardships and Hope
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The city of Qusayr, Syria, bears the scars of years of conflict. For residents returning after displacement,the challenges of rebuilding their lives are immense,a stark contrast too the hope for a peaceful future. Their stories paint a picture of resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
Fahima Mikhail, a woman who lived through the displacement between 2012 and 2015, describes a profound sense of alienation upon her return. “When we returned to qusayr, we did not find our family, our friends, and the residents of the neighborhood with whom we lived. All the faces around us were those of strangers who treated us arrogantly, as if we were burdensome guests,” she recounts. Her experiences highlight the social disruption caused by the conflict and the difficulty of reintegrating into a changed community.
Mikhail also vividly recalls the horrors of the conflict, especially the Israeli bombing of the industrial area. “The bombing was horrific, and some of the raids took place near children’s schools during school hours,” she explains, adding, “They (Hezbollah) came to us with destruction.” This statement underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian life and the lasting trauma it has inflicted.
The hardships extended beyond the bombings. Mikhail describes the oppressive regime checkpoints as a source of immense suffering. “We suffered greatly from them, as they (i.e. the checkpoint personnel) impoverished the people, starved them, and humiliated them,” she says. “They imposed a tax on everything. Even if a poor person brought a liter of frying oil smuggled from Lebanon to feed them. His children were imposing a tribute on him for the bread we obtained through humiliation. They deprived us of electricity and water from the Orontes River, which Bashar gave to my farmers The hashish who cut down apricot and apple trees to plant drug poisons instead.” This detailed account reveals the systematic exploitation and deprivation inflicted upon the population.
Having witnessed the French Mandate and numerous wars, Mikhail considers the Assad era “the most cruel.” Yet,she finds solace in the present,concluding,“praise be to God,our Lord did not disappoint us and bring down them all in one day and turn their page. The people of Qusayr, whom we no and know us, have returned.” This statement encapsulates the resilience and hope that persists despite the immense challenges.
The challenges are far from over. In the heavily damaged western neighborhood, 22-year-old Qusay reflects on the current situation. “Praise be to God, we have been relieved from Bashar al-Assad, and the people of Qusayr have returned, and security matters are good, but living is very bad. Most of those returning from the camps in Idlib and Lebanon do not have a source of livelihood,” he observes. His words highlight the ongoing economic hardship and the need for substantial aid and reconstruction efforts.
Qusay’s personal story underscores the broader struggle. Twelve years of refuge in Lebanon have robbed him of educational opportunities. His current aspiration is simple yet poignant: “any job, no matter how hard it is, so that I can live in a house with my mother.” This statement encapsulates the desperate need for economic stability and the desire for a better future for himself and his family.
The stories from Qusayr serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of conflict and the urgent need for international support in rebuilding communities and providing humanitarian assistance.The resilience of its people, though, offers a beacon of hope amidst the devastation.
Life After Conflict: Qusayr Residents Recount hardships and Hope
The Syrian city of Qusayr endured years of brutal conflict, leaving deep scars on its landscape and people. As residents return to rebuild their shattered lives, they face immense challenges but also cling to hope for a brighter future.We spoke with Dr. Lina Mahmoud, a specialist in Middle Eastern conflict and displacement, to understand the realities faced by the people of Qusayr.
A City Transformed
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Dr. Mahmoud, the article paints a stark picture of Qusayr after the conflict.Could you elaborate on the extent of the damage and social upheaval the city experienced?
Dr. Lina Mahmoud: Qusayr was a strategically important city, which made it a focal point of the conflict. Years of fighting left much of the infrastructure destroyed – homes, schools, businesses, everything was damaged. Beyond the physical destruction,there was a profound social disruption. Many families were displaced, forced to flee to neighboring countries or other parts of Syria. Those who returned found a city populated by strangers,and the sense of community that once defined Qusayr was fragmented.
The Trauma of War
Senior Editor: Fahima Mikhail’s account of the bombings, the checkpoints, and the oppression she and her community suffered is deeply disturbing. How pervasive was this kind of trauma, and what are the long-term implications for the residents of Qusayr?
Dr.Mahmoud: The trauma experienced by the people of qusayr is unfortunately all too common in conflict zones.The bombings, the deprivation, the constant fear – these leave deep psychological scars. Many residents suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Children, who have grown up amidst violence, are notably vulnerable. The long-term consequences are notable – it takes generations to heal from this kind of trauma.
Rebuilding lives, Reclaiming Hope
Senior Editor: Despite the hardship, the article highlights a resilience and hope among the people of Qusayr. What gives them strength to keep going, and what kind of support do they need to truly rebuild their lives?
Dr. mahmoud: The human spirit is remarkably resilient. The desire for normalcy,for safety,for a future for their children fuels their determination. They want to rebuild their homes,their community,their lives. They need multifaceted support – humanitarian aid to address immediate needs like food, shelter, and healthcare; investment in infrastructure to rebuild the city; and most importantly, economic opportunities to allow people to support themselves and their families.
Senior Editor: Qusay, the young man mentioned in the article, speaks of the difficulties of finding work and his desire to simply have a place to live with his mother. His situation is indicative of the broader challenges Qusayr faces.
Dr. Mahmoud:
Qusay’s story is heartbreaking but unfortunately, not unique. Many young people in Qusayr and other conflict-affected areas have lost years of education and are struggling to find employment.This creates a vicious cycle of poverty and despair. We need to provide them with skills training, job opportunities, and access to education so they can build a future for themselves.
The international community has a responsibility to provide support to these communities. We owe it to the people of Qusayr and other conflict-affected areas to help them heal, rebuild, and reclaim their lives.
