After Assad: A New Era of Freedom for Syria or the Threat of Repression?

The removal of Bashar al-Assad has opened the doors to a new chapter for Syrians, with a surge in social freedoms and the return of exiled citizens. However, anxieties loom regarding the sustainability of these freedoms, the push for Islam in governance, and whether the country can move towards genuine democracy.

On December 8, 2024, excitement filled the air at the Lebanese border as I prepared to cross into Syria, uncertain of what awaited me. The removal of Bashar al-Assad, who ruled for 24 years, marked a significant turning point. Opposition forces rapidly advanced, capturing major cities like Aleppo and transforming Syria into a land once again longing for freedom.

Having known only a repressive regime led by the Assads for over 50 years, I was astounded. The civil war, which started in 2011, resulted in the loss of countless lives and widespread suffering. I myself faced detention during the initial uprisings and had to flee the country in 2013. As I stood on the brink of entering my homeland, my senses were overwhelmed by a blend of joy and nostalgia.

Umayyad Square in Damascus blossomed into a celebration ground where discussions about Syria's future unfolded in the open for the first time. The excitement was palpable as citizens—from the young to the elderly—claimed their voices, something they had been denied for decades under the threat of the regime's brutal reprisals.

However, four months post-Assad, the reality on the ground has become more complex. While many social freedoms have been reclaimed, serious questions arise about the nature of democracy in this new landscape and the potential influence of Islam in governance.

Inside Rawda Café, a central spot for cultural debate near Parliament, the vibrant atmosphere contrasts sharply with the suffocating fear experienced under Assad. Conversations flowed freely, with writers and intellectuals returning home to rebuild a once-thriving creative scene. Mohammad Ghannam, a journalist who spent significant time imprisoned, expressed his determination to contribute to rebuilding Syria in joyous camaraderie at the café.

Yet, optimism is tinged with caution. Despite the initial euphoria at the relaxation of censorship and artistic expression, renewed fears emerge regarding the power dynamics in the new government. Ahmed al-Sharaa, appointed as interim president, must navigate a delicate balance between different factions, yet has shown an unwillingness to democratize or share power, which some view as potentially paving the way for a new dictator.

In recent months, national dialogues have aimed to shape Syria's future, yet critics argue such gatherings have been superficial and unrepresentative. Important societal segments feel sidelined, raising doubts about the government's commitment to true reform. As security challenges, economic distress, and societal tensions mount, concerns persist over maintaining the hard-won freedoms amid whispers of the past.

On women's rights, the situation is particularly fraught. While historical gains in gender equality have been notable, advocates worry about the influence of the newly empowered HTS on personal freedoms, fearing regression. Reports of enforced modesty in public spaces and the occasional buzz of fundamentalist rhetoric bring concern about the new power's direction.

As violence continues to ripple through various regions, the critical question remains: can Syria chart a path toward a stable, inclusive future while guarding against the pitfalls of emerging authoritarianism or sectarian displacement?

The hope that driven the Syrian people thus far must endure amidst numerous hurdles, as they strive for an identity defined by peaceful coexistence rather than repression. For now, the prospect of lasting democracy hinges on how well the new authorities heed their people's voices and aspirations while navigating the labyrinth of regional complexity and historical grievances.