Ten Years Later, a Political Exile Returns to a Syria in Transition

“I’m very excited but additionally very overwhelmed. It’s an incredible feeling.” When Sawsan Abou Zainedin fled Bashar al-Assad’s rule greater than a decade in the past, she thought she would possibly by no means return. Now, after the autumn of the regime, she’s headed to her hometown in southern Syria to see her father for the primary time in seven years. Whereas scenes of celebration like these happen throughout the nation, there’s additionally concern about what’s to come back. “We can’t topple a dictator regime to go underneath a unique one. These few months are elementary, not simply in our lives as people but additionally within the lifetime of this nation.” Abou Zainedin says her political activism in opposition to the previous authorities landed her in bother, narrowly escaping arrest. As a part of the wave of six million Syrians who fled throughout the 13-year civil warfare, she sought asylum in the UK. She now leads a community of organizations that assist authorized and political rights for all Syrians. “Syria is ours and isn’t the property of the Assad household. We won’t relaxation till we declare again our state of citizenship and democracy.” Abou Zainedin grew up right here within the Suwayda district, house to a big Druse group, one in all Syria’s many minority spiritual teams. It was additionally one of many first locations the place the rebellion in opposition to Assad started in 2011. Many right here need to see a secular state that protects the pursuits of Syria’s numerous inhabitants. In early December, rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or H.T.S., overthrew 5 a long time of Assad household rule. H.T.S. is an Islamist group previously affiliated with Al Qaeda. Since toppling the Assad regime, the group’s chief, Ahmed al-Shara, has signaled an openness to a extra inclusive authorities. Folks in Abou Zainedin’s hometown stay cautious. At a gathering with the non secular chief of the Druse in Syria, considerations concerning the new chapter shortly floor. “We have now achieved one thing all of us thought it was unattainable to realize. However a number of work lies forward of us nonetheless. We’re positively going to interact with the interim authorities, and we’re hoping that they are going to be attentive to this.” What is going to occur subsequent underneath H.T.S. management is unknown, however for now the celebration continues.