Navigating Fear and Hope in Post-Assad Syria: The Duality of Sectarian Strife
The article discusses the present state of Syria, particularly focusing on the Sayida Zaynab shrine and its significance in a divided society. Abu Omar, the new head of security, represents a shift from Assad’s regime, while sectarian tensions persist among different groups. In Douma, returning residents face challenges of mistrust and rebuilding amidst ongoing fears of revenge. Despite these issues, some express hope for a future free from the old regime’s brutality.
The shrine of Sayida Zaynab, located near Damascus, symbolizes both the hope and fear present in a divided Syria. With Abu Omar, a former fighter from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, overseeing security, the shrine’s atmosphere reflects a shift away from the oppressive regime of Bashar al-Assad. Although attendance has plummeted from 5,000 daily visitors to fewer than 100, the new regime challenges the remnants of the past while attempting to secure safety for Shia residents.
Abu Omar and his Sunni guards strive to protect the Shia minority from attacks, asserting their mission to safeguard the community amidst ongoing sectarian tensions. He remarked, “Remnants of the regime are everywhere. We are hunting them every day. We must not relax.” The complexities of sectarian divisions have re-emerged, further complicating efforts for unity post-regime.
Deeb Krayem, a Shia manager at the shrine, expressed a cautious optimism regarding the new rulers, despite lingering fears stemming from his experiences. A recent incident during his commute heightened his anxiety, as he believed he had been targeted: “I am sure I was targeted. We are living between two eras. We live in fear of the masked men.”
The sorrow felt by families of those who fought for the regime is palpable, as expressed by mourners in the shrine’s graveyard. One mother lamented the lack of a future, stating, “We have no future here, but we have nowhere else to go.” Her views, alongside those of other Alawites, reflect a deep-seated mistrust of the new Sunni-dominated governance and the potential for retaliation.
In Douma, a predominantly Sunni area that once served as a resistance stronghold, mistrust persists between revolutionaries and those who remained supportive of the Assad regime. Despite efforts to rebuild and foster a cooperative environment, resentment lingers as returnees struggle with inadequate housing and high rents.
The leadership in Douma, primarily made up of former revolutionaries, faces various challenges, including low morale among the troops and an urgent need for housing. Abu Hashem Abdelrahman Taha, the brigade’s second-in-command, remains optimistic about Douma’s future but acknowledges the critical issues that need resolution. He stated, “The army, in the past, was a sectarian army, an Alawite army. But no longer.”
Despite adversity, individuals like Imad Abdulrazak Khabie choose to return home, valuing proximity to family over financial stability. Yet, a climate of suspicion affects relationships, particularly between new returnees and those who lived through the war in the city. A local school director highlights this issue, stating, “Why did you stay? They ask me. They assume I am pro-Assad, that I am a sympathizer.”
Challenges abound across Syria, and the fear of sectarian violence remains ever-present. Still, the end of Assad’s rule signifies a significant change for many, having liberated citizens from a regime responsible for untold suffering. Taha declared, “The remnants of the old regime, they will not dare say ‘poof.’ We will build a state, and people will get their rights.”
In conclusion, the situation in Syria remains complex and fraught with division. The duality of hope and fear shapes the lives of those in Sayida Zaynab and Douma. As new powers emerge, sectarian tensions and distrust continue to threaten stability, yet there is a common desire among some to build a more unified state. The challenge lies in reconciling past grievances while fostering a sense of community and safety for all Syrian citizens.
Original Source: tcf.org
