DAWN IN DAMASCUS

The people of Syria must channel their shared hope into building a nation that reflects their aspirations

- DR WAIEL AWWAD

WHEN Bashar al-Assad's government fell, the moment was celebrated as a triumph of justice over oppression. Crowds flooded the streets, tearing down statues and chanting slogans of freedom. For years, they endured. Families torn apart, economy crippled by corruption and freedoms snuffed out under the iron fist of repression. This is the story of a society reclaiming its identity, struggling to build a future from the rubble.

WHAT LED TO THE FALL?

Internal dissent and uprising

This was fuelled by religious sentiment from across the border, where regional powers exploited sectarian divisions to advance their own agenda. This external influence amplified internal grievances, turning local dissent into a larger proxy struggle.

Prolonged conflict and loss of territory

Syria faced multiple fronts against rebel groups and terrorist organisations such as the IS, AI Qaeda and Kurdish forces, leading to a loss of control over large swathes of territory.

Weakened defence forces

A key factor behind the growing dissent within the Syrian army was the denial of basic rights and financial support for soldiers who were struggling to survive in harsh economic conditions. Meanwhile, fighters supported by neighbouring countries, including mercenaries and rebel groups, were receiving hefty financial support. The unfair distribution of resources fuelled discontent, contributing to defections and weakening the cohesion of the army.