Until this weekend, the Assad dynasty had ruled Syria for more than 50 years. The regime was so brutal and oppressive that it was known as the “Kingdom of Silence.”
as a foreign correspondent william christ He explains that as recently as two weeks ago, it seemed like things would continue like this. Bashar al-Assad, president since 2000, has crushed an uprising that began against his rule 13 years ago and slowly pushed back against Syria over the course of a decade-long civil war, the bloodiest conflict in Syria. regained control of most of the territory. 21st century.
However, despite the appearance of stability, there was a deep sense of malaise within Syria. The system was hollowed out, the people were impoverished, and the president remained in power only with the aid of foreign donors. So when the Islamic rebel offensive began from the north two weeks ago, it met little resistance, seizing first Aleppo, then Hama and Homs, and finally, this Sunday, Damascus, the Syrian capital. It occupied itself and was forced to occupy it by a dictator. run away.
Crist, who is in Damascus on the first day of post-Assad Syria, reports on celebrations across the country and the release of some of the tens of thousands of “disappeared” in the regime's notorious prisons. Under the Assad regime.
michael safi We also heard from Damascus resident Anas al-Dolbi about what life was like under the Assad regime, as well as the last few days as rebels moved closer and closer to his hometown.
