It has been a year since Syria commemorated the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government, a major milestone after 14 years and a new era following years of civil war and dictatorial governance. The people of Syria engaged in several events across Syria’s major and most affected towns: military parades were organized, and citizens reflected on a year of transformations, ranging from good to the still unresolved issues of the country in conflict. Damascus opened a major public space that hosts the Umayyad mosque on Saturday after a crowded Friday prayer.
Ahmed al-Sharaa: The former commander of the Al-Sham military
The Deputy of Bashar al-Assad, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former commander of the faction Al-Sham Armed Military, led the audience at Umayyad Square into Friday prayers. Later on Saturday, Sharaa directed the leadership: Order military traitors from the sovereign Assad regime and serve the Syrian people.
Sharaa has successfully established new foreign relations for Syria
Al-Sahraa has gained new diplomatic ties with the US, obtained support from the Gulf, especially the UAE and Qatar, and has made neutral alliances with Turkey, all while distancing Syria from Russia and Iran.
Concurrently, the US Congress is in the process of finalizing the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which serves as the signature sanctions of the Assad era. Although the repeal is pending final approval in the House and would significantly relax sanctions, the US would still need to meet minor benchmarks in areas such as protection of minorities, removal of foreign fighters, and transitional justice.
While celebrating, violence and sectarian confrontations remain
Al Jazeera reports:
“To those who are now present here in the heart of history, you are shaping a story of intrepidness and bravery. Today we mark one year of liberating Syria from the shackles of tyranny and dictatorship, restoring the country once again to greatness. Stand with your heads held high.”
Unfortunately, clashes in some regions that resulted in the deaths of many and caused further displacement earlier this year.
Al-Sharaa promises to draft a new constitution and hold a referendum within a four-year transitional period.
In October, there was an indirect parliamentary election. However, many people have questioned the scope of democracy within these elections, which were tightly controlled through central appointment, especially as there was low representation of minorities.
Various human rights organizations are calling for the Assad regime to implement measures of transitional justice, as it documents over 200,000 civilian deaths, 160,000 disappearances, and over 45,000 deaths due to torture, which was the minimum figure documented within the Assad regime.
An opportunity for healing and change for communities
The call for accountability and reconciliation in the UN Secretary-General suggests “what may lie ahead” is not simply a political transition, stating it is the opportunity to heal deep societal wounds and build new foundations for the communities.
On the one hand, there is the celebration and renewed, although still delicate, hope. A country that for decades has suffered repression and closed its doors to the world is now, however, on the brink of new and serious challenges.
Syria is at a new starting point a year later
On the other hand, and in stark contrast to the hopeful celebration, there are the specters of violence along sectarian lines, a vulnerable population, a humanitarian crisis, the potential for revenge, and a political vacuum.
Al-Sharaa has reached an important milestone and has made progress, but the promises on inclusion, justice, and the protection of minorities, for example, are far more in demand than the results. With the lifting of the sanctions and the return of the refugees, Syria’s fragile new beginning will be marked by concrete results in recovery, the settlement of social tensions, and the genuine realization of political pluralism.
