Syria's Fragile Recovery: One Year After Assad's Departure

Syria marked a year since President Bashar Assad fled the country, but the nation continues to struggle with the aftermath of the regime's ousting. Army helicopters flew overhead during a parade by the new Syrian army in Damascus, Syria, on Monday, commemorating the anniversary of the regime's fall. The celebrations came as a stark contrast to the dire conditions faced by many Syrians, including Mohammad Marwan, who was released from the notorious Saydnaya prison last year. Marwan, a father of three, was arrested in 2018 for fleeing compulsory military service and had cycled through four other lockups before being imprisoned in Saydnaya. The sprawling complex, located just north of Damascus, became synonymous with some of the worst atrocities committed during the Syrian civil war. "It was like a nightmare," Marwan said in an interview, recalling his time in Saydnaya. "I saw people being tortured, beaten, and killed. It was a place where hope was lost." Marwan's account is not an isolated incident, with numerous reports of human rights abuses and war crimes committed in Saydnaya and other detention centers during the regime's rule. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more. The conflict led to the eventual ousting of President Assad's regime, but the country's infrastructure and institutions remain severely damaged. The new government, led by President Assad, has faced criticism for its slow pace in rebuilding and addressing the humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, over 13 million Syrians require humanitarian assistance, with many still living in poverty and without access to basic services such as healthcare and education. The international community has pledged billions of dollars in aid to support the recovery efforts, but the process has been slow due to ongoing security concerns and bureaucratic hurdles. As the anniversary of the regime's fall marked a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of the conflict, Syrians continue to grapple with the challenges of rebuilding their nation. "We need to focus on rebuilding our country, not just physically but also emotionally," said Dr. Ammar Al-Sayed, a Syrian psychiatrist who has worked with survivors of torture and trauma. "We need to create a society that promotes healing, reconciliation, and accountability." The Syrian government has announced plans to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate human rights abuses and war crimes committed during the conflict. However, the process has been met with skepticism by many, who fear that it may not provide adequate justice for victims and their families. As the country looks to the future, Syrians remain hopeful that the new government will prioritize rebuilding and reconciliation. "We want to see a Syria that is free from fear, free from oppression, and free from the trauma of the past," said Marwan, who is now working to rebuild his life and help others heal from their experiences.