The Evolution of Being ‘Wanted’ in Post-Conflict Syria: From Fear to Proud Resistance
In Syria, the perception of being “wanted” has evolved. Once a source of fear under the Assad regime, it is now a badge of honor among citizens who oppose tyranny. Many, like journalist Kazem Togan, are checking their status with pride, reflecting a cultural shift in attitudes towards oppression.
In post-conflict Syria, the status of being wanted has shifted from a source of fear to a form of pride. Citizens formerly terrorized under the Assad regime are now curious about their names on the dictatorship’s wanted lists, celebrating the acknowledgment of their resistance. Kazem Togan, a returning journalist, exemplifies this attitude, eagerly inquiring whether he was listed, mirroring a routine inquiry among the populace.
For over five decades, the Assad regime maintained control through terror, with individuals marked as wanted by various intelligence branches living under constant threat of imprisonment. This phenomenon, locally referred to as “having a name,” was synonymous with fear and oppression, implying a security file that could lead to disappearance.
In a surprising cultural shift, Syrians now ask officials about their former status with a sense of pride, viewing it as evidence of their opposition to a tyrannical government that tortured countless citizens. What once represented a threat has transformed into a badge of honor, reflecting a new spirit of defiance among the Syrian people in the wake of civil unrest.
The transformation of being classified as wanted in Syria illustrates a significant change in public sentiment. What was once a mark of fear now symbolizes resistance against tyranny, fostering a newfound pride among citizens. As individuals openly discuss their status, it highlights the growing confidence and shifting perspectives in post-conflict Syria.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
