I arrived late at night for my first-ever dispatch from Damascus. It was pitch black and quiet as could be. Early in the morning, I stepped out of the hotel and was taken aback by the sheer number of people on the sidewalk. With this image, which remains etched in my memory, the Syrian people left a strong impression on me. I found vigor, a people bursting with energy, and full of life. I have visited Syria many times since then, read its history and met many Syrians, and that first impression holds true to this day. Their oppressive police state could not tarnish the essence of the Syrian people’s character.
However, that was a long time ago. It was before foreign militias wreaked havoc in this beautiful country before it was divided and overrun by Iran, Russia, and sectarian militias. Before the horrific massacres committed against the people of Syria, the chemical weapons that killed them in their sleep, and the barrel bombs that rained down on them. Before millions fled the country to sleep in cold European forests, and before a Syrian child, Alan Kurdi, was found on the shore after having drowned- an image that brought shame to our collective human conscience. Before the country turned into a heap of ruins, grudges, and bitter vendettas. Until recently, almost everyone was convinced that the Syria we had known was gone forever. But then history had its say and showed us that Syrians had just awakened from a long nightmare.
With former President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country and his regime now a thing of the past, the country is closing the chapter of decades of terrible brutality. A new page of its history has been opened. Syria now has the opportunity to retain its place in the world. After enduring immense suffering, persecution, and racism, the Syrian people deserve to rebuild their country. In my view, they will learn from the experiences of neighboring countries that descended into chaos as a result of state institutions’ demise, authoritarian rule, cycles of vengeance, and welcoming foreign meddling- a perfect recipe for disaster. However, a critical phase awaits its people. This phase will determine whether they can build their country and bring it into the twenty-first century after it had been imprisoned in the mid-twentieth century.
With its rich history and cultural diversity, Syria is a country of art, literature, and education. It is a country whose people are known for being savvy merchants, even in the most difficult circumstances. All of these strengths are crucial factors for allowing Syrians to look to the future that awaits them instead of looking back on their cruel past, and to build a robust and prosperous economy that embraces Syrians of all backgrounds. A country that reflects the energy, merits, and vitality of the people on my cold and joyful visit that night.
