In Syria, being wanted by the Assad regime has transitioned from a feared status to a celebrated one. Citizens now openly inquire about their names on wanted lists, viewing it as a point of pride for resisting oppression. This shift indicates a societal change in attitudes towards past struggles against a tyrannical government.
In Syria, the perception of being listed as a wanted individual has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a source of fear, it has evolved into a point of pride for many citizens as they openly inquire about their status on the Assad regime’s extensive lists of wanted individuals. The regime, led by Bashar al-Assad, maintained these lists to instill terror among the populace.
Kazem Togan, a journalist, exemplified this shift during his recent return to Syria after 12 years. He inquired with the passport control agent whether he was among the wanted, and upon learning he was wanted by the intelligence branch, he expressed pride rather than fear. He remarked that for every Syrian, asking if they were “wanted” is now routine; they take pride in being acknowledged among those who resisted the oppressive regime.
For over five decades, the Syrian dictatorship ruled with an iron fist, using threats and lists of wanted citizens to suppress dissent. The term “having a name” referred to those whose names were on the regime’s lists, putting them at constant risk of imprisonment or worse. Now, however, individuals who were once terrified by the presence of a security file celebrate their past struggles against a government that tortured its citizens to maintain control. Sharing these experiences on social media further highlights this dramatic shift in sentiment.
The evolution of the perception of being wanted in Syria from fear to pride signifies a profound societal shift. What was once a source of despair is now perceived as a badge of honor among many Syrians. This change reflects a growing willingness to challenge historical oppression and celebrate acts of resistance against the Assad regime.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
