In Syria, the status of being “wanted” has shifted from a point of fear under the Assad regime to a badge of honor. Many citizens now take pride in their status, symbolizing their resistance against oppression. This cultural transformation marks a significant change in how Syrians relate to their past experiences with the regime.
In Syria, the concept of being “wanted” has transformed from a source of fear to a badge of honor. The ousted Assad dictatorship maintained extensive lists of individuals considered wanted, encompassing millions of citizens. Many now inquire about their status on these lists with a sense of pride, reflecting a significant cultural shift in their attitudes toward the past regime.
Kazem Togan, a journalist and former member of opposition media, expressed this sentiment after returning to Syria for the first time in 12 years. When he asked a passport control agent if he was on the wanted list, the response was met with approval. “You’re wanted by branch 235,” the agent said, indicating the intelligence branch, which delighted Togan. “Today, every Syrian asks as a matter of routine, ‘Was I wanted?’” he noted, emphasizing a newfound pride in having been targeted by the regime.
For over five decades, Bashar al-Assad and his father ruled Syria through fear, where those listed as wanted faced severe repercussions, including detention and torture. This phenomenon of being “wanted” was often referred to as having a name, representing a deep fear among citizens of being associated with dissent against the regime.
In the current societal landscape, Syrians are increasingly vocal about their past experiences under the Assad regime. Instead of concealing their status, many now celebrate their previously dreaded label of being wanted. This represents not only a drastic change in public sentiment but also a collective defiance against a regime that perpetrated widespread atrocities to maintain its grip on power. Indications suggest that those marked as wanted view this past as a reflection of their resistance against an oppressive regime.
The transformation of being labeled as “wanted” in Syria from a source of fear to a point of pride signifies a significant cultural shift among its citizens. Past victims of the Assad regime are now openly sharing their experiences, emphasizing their defiance against oppression. This change highlights a collective resilience amid a troubling history, allowing people to reclaim their narratives and embrace their past as a symbol of strength.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
