December 13th 2024.
Over the weekend, rebel forces were able to overthrow the long-standing Assad regime in Syria, putting an abrupt end to the country's 13-year uprising and civil war. This momentous event has been met with joy and relief by Syrians worldwide, with many prisoners being released from the oppressive prisons of the former government. However, the aftermath of this overthrow has left the situation in a fragile and uncertain state. As international powers vie for influence, tensions have risen and Israel has even carried out strikes within Syria's borders and moved troops into the occupied Golan Heights.
In the midst of this upheaval, Mohammed al-Bashir, who had been leading the rebels' de facto government in northwest Syria, has been appointed as interim prime minister. Syrian journalist Rami Jarrah, who has been reporting on the ongoing conflict since its beginnings in 2011, is cautiously optimistic about Assad's downfall. He too celebrated the news, but is now concerned about what comes next for his country. Having experienced firsthand the brutality of the Syrian government, including being detained and tortured himself, his past informs his apprehensions for the future.
In a recent episode of The Intercept Briefing, Jarrah shares his thoughts on the current state of Syria. He recalls the intensity of the bombardment in Aleppo in 2016 and how it affected him personally. "For a long time, I harbored a deep resentment. I wanted revenge, and it was not a pretty thing. That's why I understand the danger of a power shift in a country like Syria, where emotions run high and the desire for retaliation is strong. I know that if I had been in a position of authority at that time, I would not have been able to make rational decisions. But over the past 4 or 5 years, I have been able to reflect and come to terms with my anger," he shares.
Jarrah believes that Assad fleeing to Russia creates an opportunity for Syria to move forward in a more productive and peaceful way. If Assad had chosen to stay and fight, Jarrah fears that the country would have descended into another civil war. "By fleeing, Assad has sent a powerful message to those who supported him. It has opened the door for a potential reconciliation process between those who were loyal to Assad and those who were victims of his oppressive regime," Jarrah explains.
To hear more of Jarrah's insights and perspective on the current situation in Syria, be sure to listen to this week's episode of The Intercept Briefing.
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