Lessons from Syria’s struggle for freedom
Abdul Monaiem Kudrot Ullah 10 December, 2024, 00:00
People celebrate at Umayyad Square in Damascus on December 8. | Agence France-Presse
THE question of who ousted Bashar al-Assad has dominated countless headlines, debates and think tank discussions. Yet, for the millions of Syrians whose lives have been shaped — and shattered — by decades of brutal governance, this question is a distraction. The real focus should be on the human cost of oppression, the erasure of freedoms and the desperation of a people whose basic rights have been systematically stripped away.
For over half a century, Syria endured the iron-fisted rule of the Assad regime. Under the guise of stability and anti-imperialism, the government presided over an era marked by fear, repression and relentless state violence. Disappearances, extrajudicial killings and a deeply entrenched culture of corruption within intelligence agencies became the norm. Syrians lived in a society where dissent was met with imprisonment, torture, or death.
In such an environment, the natural human yearning for freedom and dignity transcends political ideology or religious affiliation. People suffering under such oppressive conditions do not concern themselves with the geopolitical machinations of foreign powers. They seek an escape from tyranny. They seek justice. They seek a life where they are free to speak, assemble and dream without fear of reprisal.
Legacy of tyranny
THE Assad regime’s oppressive reach was not confined to Syria’s borders. For decades, it extended into Lebanon, controlling parts of the country, particularly the north, with an iron grip. For residents of Tripoli, the presence of Assad’s forces was a daily reminder of their vulnerability. Checkpoints dotted the roads, serving not as symbols of security but as instruments of terror.
Travellers recount harrowing tales of random beatings and detentions, their fate decided by the mood of soldiers. Fishermen returning from long days at sea were forced to surrender their best catch and farmers transporting produce from the mountains were compelled to hand over portions of their cargo at every stop. This exploitation turned livelihoods into a daily struggle for survival.
The regime’s cruelty escalated during the 1980s when it waged war on Tripoli twice. In 1983, Assad’s forces attacked the city to root out Yasir Arafat and the PLO. The shelling was relentless, reducing homes and infrastructure to rubble. Families sought refuge in schools and countless lives were lost.
Three years later, in 1986, the regime returned, this time targeting the Islamic group Tawheed, which had once been its ally. Tripoli endured another round of indiscriminate bombardment. Even after the fighting subsided, the regime violated peace agreements, systematically hunting down those who had dared to resist. Families were left to mourn loved ones executed in cold blood or lost to the black hole of Syrian prisons.
The regime’s tactics were not limited to warfare. Car bombs in crowded streets caused unspeakable carnage, killing scores of innocent civilians. One Tripoli resident recalled losing several family members to these acts of terror. This legacy of violence and repression left scars that would haunt generations.
Syrian civil war: a tragedy of unimaginable scale
THE horrors inflicted on Tripoli pale in comparison to what Syria has endured since the uprising of 2011. The Assad regime responded to peaceful protests with brutal force, plunging the country into a civil war that has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. Entire cities have been reduced to rubble and the humanitarian crisis has reached staggering proportions.
The international response has been a patchwork of competing interests and half-hearted interventions. Foreign powers, each with their own agendas, have exploited the chaos. While some entered under the banner of fighting extremism or promoting stability, their involvement often exacerbated the suffering of the Syrian people.
Geopolitical conspiracy theories abound, suggesting that foreign powers such as the United States, Türkiye, or Israel orchestrated the removal of Assad to serve their strategic interests. While these narratives dominate discourse, they miss the point. The root of Syria’s tragedy lies in the decades-long oppression that created the conditions for such chaos.
The path forward
THE enduring lesson from Syria is clear: tyranny creates a void that foreign powers are all too willing to exploit. When a government denies its people justice, freedom and avenues for peaceful dissent, it paves the way for external intervention. The only true defence against such exploitation is a government rooted in the will of its people — a government that is accountable, transparent and democratic.
True sovereignty does not lie in merely repelling foreign influence. It lies in empowering citizens to shape their own destiny. A government chosen through free and fair elections disarms external actors by denying them the chaos and disenfranchisement they thrive upon.
Resilience of the Syrian people
THE Syrian people have endured unimaginable suffering. Yet, their resilience and yearning for freedom remain a beacon of hope. Their stories — of survival, resistance and unwavering hope — deserve to be told and honoured.
As the world looks at Syria, let us not be distracted by conspiracy theories or geopolitical blame games. Instead, let us focus on the human cost of tyranny and work towards a future where the voices of Syrians are heard, their rights respected and their dignity restored.
The struggle for a free and just Syria is not just a regional issue; it is a universal call to uphold the principles of human rights, democracy and justice. Let this be the foundation upon which a new Syria rises — one that embodies the aspirations of its people and stands as a testament to their resilience and courage.
A shared struggle for freedom
THE Syrian people’s relentless pursuit of freedom and justice echoes across borders, resonating with countless others who yearn for similar liberation. The recent uprising in Bangladesh, a nation that has historically championed democratic ideals, serves as a stark reminder of the global struggle against authoritarianism.
Just as the Syrian people have endured decades of oppression, the citizens of Bangladesh have confronted their own share of challenges. Both nations have witnessed the erosion of democratic norms, the suppression of dissent and the misuse of state power. The parallels between these two struggles are undeniable, highlighting the universality of the human desire for liberty and dignity.
As the world watches these unfolding events, it is crucial to recognise the interconnectedness of these struggles. The Syrian people’s unwavering spirit and the Bangladeshi people’s pursuit of a democratic future inspire us all to stand in solidarity with those who fight for a better world. By amplifying their voices and supporting their causes, we can contribute to a future where justice, freedom and human rights prevail.
Abdul Monaiem Kudrot Ullah is a retired Captain of Bangladesh Navy.
Syrian Defense
