The latest to face this change is Syria where Bashar al-Assad was recently overthrown by a loose rebel alliance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), after over fifty years of family rule. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa alias Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has pledged governance as its intent. However, with the multitude of rebel forces involved, each with its own agenda, and sponsored by different foreign powers, the scenario is anything but normal.
The jubilation amongst Syrians at the removal of Assad was reminiscent of Saddam Hussain's dethroning in Iraq. The justification of the US in removing Saddam was possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction as also human rights abuses. The vacuum created post Saddam's removal opened doors for the emergence of ISIS which was subdued after years of fighting. It still exists in part of the country. While Iraq is a democracy, it remains fragile with sectarian tensions. Over 200,000 Iraqi civilians and over 4,500 US troops have been killed since Saddam's ouster in internal strife and attacks by ISIS.
Tunisia, where the Arab Spring began, transited to democracy and has since then been battling between democracy and authoritarianism. The economy has been sinking with international lenders demanding imposition of strict financial measures. The nation is now ruled by President Kais Saied, with absolute authority. Protests against him are ruthlessly suppressed.
Libya, where Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown with US backing, is a nation split and in turmoil. Its armed militias hold sway backing the two centres of power which control the country, both opposed to each other. It is a nation with no shortage of weapons. Attempts at arriving at a ceasefire between the factions have failed.
Bu hikaye The Statesman dergisinin December 24, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Statesman dergisinin December 24, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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