Celebration, Caution and Colonialists: Syria’s new chapter

The 50-year reign of the Assad family over Syria has officially come to an end, marking a significant turning point in the nation’s history. Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, in 2000 after his death, continuing a brutal legacy of authoritarian rule. In 2011, as peaceful protests erupted in the context of the Arab Spring, Assad responded with violent repression, sparking a civil war that has resulted in over half a million deaths and displaced millions more.

This shift in power represents a critical juncture for Syria, raising important questions about what comes next for a nation long divided by war, tyranny and interference.

Celebrate: The Fall of Tyranny.

After decades of oppressive rule under Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad, the fall of this dynastic tyranny marks a momentous occasion for the Syrian people. Assad’s regime was synonymous with unimaginable repression, including systematic torture, mass detentions, and violent crackdowns on dissent.

One stark example of Assad’s tyranny was the 2011 uprising, where peaceful protests calling for change were met with brutal force. Over the years, the regime’s infamous detention centres—more akin to dungeons—became sites of unthinkable atrocities. The Caesar Report, a chilling dossier smuggled out of Syria by a defector, documented the torture and death of thousands of detainees, revealing the extent of state-sponsored barbarism. The fall of this regime means an end to these dungeons of despair and opens the door for countless Syrians to return to their homeland without fear of persecution.

Equally significant is the potential restoration of Syria as a functional society, with rights that have been stifled for generations. For the displaced, such as the millions who fled to Türkiye, Europe, and beyond, the chance to rebuild their lives in their ancestral homes symbolises hope. The fall of Assad is a moment to celebrate, not just for what has ended but for the true independence that could now flourish.

Caution: The Next Chapter Is Pivotal

However, jubilation must be tempered with caution. The removal of a tyrant does not guarantee justice or equality. The history of post-dictatorship transitions—from Iraq to Libya—warns against rushing into a status quo that could replace one form of oppression with another.

The pressing concern is the emerging narrative that Syria should disregard the role of the United States and Israel, focusing solely on internal rebuilding efforts such as restoring hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. While these are vital priorities, ignoring external aggression undermines the true independence of the Syrian people. Israel’s intense bombing campaigns, which have depleted 80% of Syria’s military capabilities within recent days, and the strategic involvement of the U.S. in the region represent significant challenges to Syria’s sovereignty. A genuine path to rebuilding Syria must address these external pressures, ensuring that the country’s autonomy is not compromised by ongoing foreign interference.

Sovereignty is intrinsically tied to a nation’s military capability, as a strong and autonomous defence system safeguards its independence from external coercion. Historical examples underline this connection. For instance, Iraq’s sovereignty was severely compromised after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, when the dismantling of its military left the nation vulnerable to foreign influence and internal instability. Similarly, Libya’s downfall following NATO’s 2011 intervention demonstrated how the absence of a unified military apparatus led to a fragmented state controlled by competing militias and foreign actors. Syria faces a similar threat: Israel’s repeated strikes and the erosion of its military infrastructure compromise its ability to deter aggression or assert any form of control over its territory. Without restoring military strength, Syria risks becoming a fractured entity, susceptible to external manipulation and unable to reclaim its sovereignty fully.

Ignoring the ongoing actions of powers like the U.S. and Israel—whether through military strikes or by agent rulers—creates a false sense of independence while leaving the country vulnerable to future exploitation. Liberation must encompass internal rebuilding and reclaiming Syria’s role as an autonomous actor on the international stage.

Colonialists: Resisting External Manipulation

While Syrians rejoice with the fall of Assad, they must remain wary of external actors seeking to manipulate the country’s future. Colonialist forces—both past and present—pose a significant threat to Syria’s sovereignty.

The West, historically complicit in supporting authoritarian regimes like Assad’s to serve their geopolitical interests, will undoubtedly aim to influence the new power structures via proxies. It is deeply ironic that the mainstream media now provides wall-to-wall coverage of Assad’s tyranny, torture chambers, and the horrific conditions endured by those in his prisons—atrocities that were well-documented even while they were occurring. Yet, during that time, the West largely turned a blind eye, prioritising their strategic interests over the suffering of the Syrian people.

This duplicity is evident in recent actions, such as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meetings in Jordan, Türkiye, and Iraq, where he sought to shape the future of post-Assad Syria by forging consensus among regional partners and allies whose interests often diverge. Blinken himself underscored the stakes, stating in Aqaba, Jordan: “We know that what happens inside of Syria can have powerful consequences well beyond its borders, from mass displacement to terrorism. And we know that we can’t underestimate the challenges of this moment.” These comments reflect the West’s intention to insert itself into Syria’s future under the pretext of stabilisation. Western powers have consistently exploited the region’s instability, from the era of the Sykes-Picot Agreement to contemporary alliances. Their involvement in post-Assad Syria is likely to come under the guise of “stabilisation” or “reconstruction,” but their true aim will be to control key political and economic levers, perpetuating their influence under the veneer of humanitarian concern.

Türkiye, another key player, has already acted as a neo-colonial proxy in northern Syria. Under the pretext of securing its borders and combating terrorism, Türkiye has sought to expand its influence in regions like Afrin and Idlib, often at the expense of Kurdish populations who have been forcibly displaced. Ankara’s actions are not driven by concern for the well-being of the Syrian people. The same Syrians it claims to protect were used as political pawns within Türkiye, facing exploitation and marginalisation during their time as refugees. This underscores how Türkiye’s involvement is rooted in self-interest rather than a genuine commitment to Syria’s stability or sovereignty.

Rebel movements also pose risks. Groups once committed to freedom have shown susceptibility to external funding, effectively selling out their ideals. Some factions, backed by Gulf states or Western powers, could prioritise their benefactors’ agendas over Syria’s sovereignty. The experience of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), once the beacon of anti-Assad resistance, illustrates how factions can become entangled in foreign interests. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) has been primarily funded by a coalition of foreign governments and regional actors throughout the Syrian civil war. Key contributors include the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and France. These nations provided financial support, weapons, and training, particularly through the Supreme Military Council, which was established to unify and coordinate the efforts of various rebel groups under the FSA banner

To achieve a truly independent Syria, the nation must reject all forms of neo-colonialism. This includes rejecting politicians, policies, and power structures that serve external interests rather than the Syrian people. Syrians must strive to establish a political system rooted in their beliefs and aspirations, free from the colonial legacies that placed Assad in power and perpetuated decades of suffering.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Blessed is the land of Sham, and blessed are its people” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This profound saying invites reflection on the unique blessing of Syria and its people. Unlike the embarrassing moments often faced by Western powers when their puppet rulers are forced to flee, Syria’s resilience in the face of tyranny is a testament to the strength and dignity of its people. It serves as a powerful reminder that Syria’s future must be shaped by its people alone, free from the influence of foreign powers that have historically manipulated its destiny.