Bashar al-Assad ruled Syria from 2000 until his recent overthrow in December 2023, after initial protests in 2011 were met with severe repression. This led to a brutal civil war, with various factions vying for power. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has emerged as a significant force post-Assad. The downfall may rekindle democratic aspirations, yet challenges persist as the situation remains dire for many Syrians.
The al-Assad regime, led by Bashar al-Assad since 2000, was characterized by its brutal anti-democratic governance, benefiting a small elite while impoverishing many Syrians. Policies enacted by the regime included harsh austerity measures, leading to a significant increase in poverty. By 2011, a third of Syrians lived below the poverty line, exacerbated by a decade of poor economic governance.
Inspiring revolutions across the Arab world in 2011 ignited a similar movement in Syria, triggered by the arrest and torture of teenagers advocating for change. The regime’s violent response resulted in the deaths of hundreds, prompting many soldiers to defect and join the opposition. This escalated conflict led to immense suffering, with millions displaced and the landscape devastated.
Assad’s regime fought to maintain power through repression, fostering a sectarian civil war and relying heavily on foreign military support from nations like Russia and Iran. By December 2023, however, the regime’s weaknesses were laid bare as Assad was overthrown in a swift offensive by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), reflecting the regime’s internal decay.
Following Assad’s fall, large crowds took to the streets, symbolizing a revival of the democratic aspirations ignited in 2011. Nevertheless, the situation differs markedly today, with grassroots movements emerging amid dire conditions. The left’s challenge is to harness this energy, advocating for essential services and democratic governance as HTS consolidates its power.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) dominates Idlib after previously merging rival militias. Although claiming commitment to rights for all, HTS’s governance has exhibited repressive tendencies. Promising a competitive economy, many measures appear designed to bolster HTS leaders rather than genuinely reflect non-sectarian governance, with calls for the removal of problematic leadership growing louder.
The Kurdish population faces an uncertain future as they were historically oppressed and now confront threats from Turkish offensives. The Democratic Union Party (PYD) capitalized on the 2011 unrest, but ongoing assaults have displaced many Kurds. Without a unifying popular movement advocating for democracy, the Kurdish struggle may remain vulnerable to external threats.
In the wake of Assad’s regime collapse, Israel has ramped up military activity, viewing the situation as advantageous for its interests. Although some perceive Assad’s regime as a supporter of Palestine, historical actions show a pattern of betrayal. True liberation for Palestinians might only emerge through grassroots movements challenging oppressive regimes and imperialist influences in the region.
The al-Assad family’s dictatorship, established over five decades, ultimately relied on systemic repression to stifle dissent and maintain a struggling economy in Syria. As various waves of protests erupted across the Arab world in 2011, many Syrians rallied against the regime’s tyrannical rule. The ensuing conflict saw the emergence of foreign-backed armed factions, leading the struggle for power to evolve into a protracted civil war marked by violence and humanitarian crises. The downfall of Assad in late 2023 represents a critical juncture, reflecting the complexities of Syrian politics today and the influence of regional actors.
The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria is a pivotal moment echoing the revolutionary spirit of 2011. While this development brings hopes for renewed activism and democracy, the realities on the ground pose significant challenges, especially with the rise of HTS as a new power. The need for unified, non-sectarian movements that advocate for genuine change remains crucial. The situation emphasizes that the true path to liberation in Syria and the broader region hinges on the grassroots mobilization of the populace against both local and foreign oppression.
Original Source: solidarity.net.au
