Evolving Perceptions of Being ‘Wanted’ in Syria: From Fear to Pride

In Syria, being on the wanted lists of the ousted Assad regime has shifted from a source of fear to a badge of honor. Citizens now openly express curiosity about their status and share this pride in having opposed the brutal government. Kazem Togan’s experience exemplifies this trend, reflecting a significant cultural transformation in post-regime Syria.

In Syria, the concept of being “wanted” has undergone a significant transformation. Previously, it instilled fear among citizens as the Assad regime maintained extensive lists of individuals sought after by its security forces. Now, many Syrians openly inquire whether their names are on such lists, often sharing this information with pride.

Kazem Togan, a journalist who recently returned to Syria after a twelve-year absence, illustrates this change. Upon arrival, he asked a passport control agent to verify if he was listed as wanted, and was overjoyed to learn he was sought by the intelligence branch, viewing this as a validation of his opposition to the regime.

For decades, the Assad regime relied on fear to maintain control, labeling those wanted for opposition under various security branches. This term, regarded as “having a name,” implied a threat of imprisonment or worse. Today, the narrative has shifted; individuals who once lived in fear are now proudly associating their past resistance with being wanted, viewing it as an emblem of honor rather than shame.

Those who endured oppression and brutality now embrace their status, transforming it into a sign of defiance against the oppressive regime. In conversations and on social media, it has become commonplace for Syrians to boast about their standing as those hunted by a regime notorious for its human rights abuses.

The evolving perception of being “wanted” in Syria highlights a remarkable shift from fear to pride among citizens. Formerly seen as a dangerous label, being on the government’s list now serves as a badge of honor for those who opposed the Assad regime. This transformation underscores the resilience of the Syrian people and their desire to reclaim their narratives in the face of past oppression.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com