ANOTHER Arab dictator has bitten the dust, another tyrant of the Middle East has received his just desserts. The speedy and swift demise of the ruthless dictator was a great surprise for every one including the group of rebels fighting the regular Syrian army and the helping hands of the Russian and Iranian Government. The country of Syria has exploded with Joy and hope, this was expected but now anxiety and worry is clouding the country about the future outcome of the Syrian nation. The fall of all previous dictators in Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and Egypt is a stark and bitter reminder of what might befall Syria too. It was in the year 2000 when the western powers welcomed the entry of Bashar Al Assad after the 39 years rule of his father because they believed that the medical doctor Assad Al Bashar will be easy to deal with and he will bring in some much needed reforms and Bashar complied with the release of some political prisoners. Soon after that he showed his true colors by reverting to the family traditions of brutal suppression of all forms of dissent by all parties including the secular, Islamist or democratic parties and launched a malicious campaign of excessive actions against all real or perceived threats from all opponents of his regime.
After the fall of Bashar Al Assad the future of Syria remains precarious and uncertain as the country is now confronted with the terrible after effects of a bloody civil war that has devastated its lands, economy and social fabric. Since the Arab Spring of 2011and the resultant movement against the Bashar Regime the country has been embroiled in a complex bloody and deadly war. This civil war in Syria involved Govt. troops, opposition groups, extremist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS and even international powers like Russia, USA, Iran, Turkey and Qatar. Due to the prolonged civil strife the infrastructure and economy of the country were severely damaged that impacted millions of people making them impoverished, homeless, traumatized and displaced. Syrian cultural heritage, historical sites, and even museums have been targeted and destroyed causing an irreparable damage. Despite many huge challenges there are some glimmer of hopes. One silver lining to the dark clouds is that the Syrian army has managed to destroy large groups of Islamist extremists such as ISIS and recovered large swaths of territory from them.
Having said that it is obvious that the path to lasting peace and political stability has many obstacles and impediments. The long civil war has created deep divisions and mistrust among the people of Syria and a lot of time is needed for these deep wounds to heal completely. The government’s authoritarian tendencies and human rights abuses have also created concerns among the international community, which has called for a more inclusive and democratic transition. Furthermore, the role of external actors, including regional powers and international organizations, will be crucial in shaping Syria’s future. The United States, Russia, Turkey, and Iran, among others, have significant interests and stakes in Syria, and their involvement has often exacerbated the conflict. However, a concerted effort by these actors to support a peaceful and inclusive transition could help to stabilize the country and promote reconstruction. In the long term, Syria’s future will depend on its ability to build a more inclusive, democratic, and accountable government, which represents the diverse interests and aspirations of its people.
This will require a genuine commitment to reform, reconciliation, and reconstruction, as well as a willingness to engage with the international community and abide by international law. Ultimately, the future of Syria is a test of the international community’s ability to work together to prevent and resolve conflicts, promote human rights and dignity, and support sustainable development and reconstruction. As the Syrian people strive to rebuild their country and create a better future for themselves and their children, the world must stand in solidarity with them, providing support, guidance, and resources to help them achieve their aspirations.The future of Syria is uncertain, but it is not without hope. With a commitment to peace, justice, and accountability, as well as a willingness to engage with the international community, Syrians can build a brighter future for themselves and their country. The world must support them in this endeavor, recognizing that the fate of Syria is a shared that requires a collective and sustained effort. Israel is another major player in the Syrian conflict. Since after the fall of Bashar Al Assad the Israeli army has gone on the offensive and seized large areas in the Golan Heights in direct violation of the 1974 agreement with Syria.
Some ministers in the Benjamin Netanyahu cabinet have even threatened to push right up to Damascus. The Israeli air force has continues to strike Syrian military installations deep inside Syrian territory. This is a serious and volatile situation and such actions could affect the Syrian efforts for political stability and could pose a threat for the entire region.The overthrow of the Assad regime will reshape regional politics. Several countries, including the US, Russia, Iran, Israel and Turkey, have a military presence in Syria. Russia and Iran had for long militarily backed the Assad regime in fighting the rebellion that begun 13 years ago. With direct military support from these two countries, the regime managed to contain the revolt but could not entirely crush the rebel forces. The inability of these countries to come to the regime’s rescue at the end led to Assad’s fall.
—The writer is Professor of History, based in Islamabad.
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