The Fragile Freedom of Post-Assad Syria: Opportunities and Risks Ahead

Following the dramatic change in Syria’s leadership after decades of the Assad regime, citizens are experiencing newfound freedoms, yet questions loom over the long-term stability of democracy and potential religious restrictions in public life.

In the early hours of December 8, 2024, I crossed into Syria from Lebanon, filled with an unsettling mix of joy and apprehension. Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled the country for 24 years, was no longer in power. Rebel forces had captured major cities, and the atmosphere felt charged with hopeful energy that I had never witnessed before. After years of oppression, Syria was, finally, free.

For most of my life, including the civil war that began in 2011 and claimed countless lives, the narrative of Syria had been defined by fear—disappearances, torture, and authoritarianism under the Assads. Having been imprisoned in the early days of the uprising, I thought it was impossible to return; however, to my astonishment, as I stepped into the country, I was met with unshackled celebrations, fireworks, and joy spilling onto the streets of Damascus.

The vibrant Umayyad Square became a festivity hub filled with discussions on politics—a stark contrast from the silence and suppression enforced under Assad's rule. Now, those conversations flowed freely from the mouths of vendors and patrons alike. Yet, just months post-revolution, the reality appears more complex. Many wonder not just about the definition of democracy, but also about the role that Islam might play in this emerging governance.

In Rawda Café, once a hotspot for political dissenters, exiled intellectuals like journalist Mohammad Ghannam gather to share thoughts on rebuilding. “It feels like a different world,” he remarks, recalling the restrictions he faced only a short time ago. With several figures returning from exile, the café buzzes with music and laughter, a palpable symbol of change. The arts scene is likewise blossoming with performances once banned, showcasing the resiliency of culture against decades of repression.

However, apprehension accompanies this growth. Despite the apparent freedoms, political accountability remains vague. Ahmed al-Sharaa, appointed as interim president by military authorities, has faced scrutiny over his governance. Questions abound about the centralization of power and the potential for new authoritarianism. Many citizens share a distrust of the political arena, having endured decades of oppression.

Moreover, women's rights face scrutiny as only one woman is included in the interim government, leading to concerns over potential marginalization stemming from shifting interpretations of Islamic law. While there's no immediate legislative pushback against freedoms, societal movements point toward an ambiguous and possibly troubling future.

Tension vibrates across the country as the legacy of Assad’s regime is confronted with shifting loyalties and emerging power dynamics. As violence looms in coastal regions and areas still gripping with instability, many worry that time might be running out for the interim leadership to establish a democracy firmly in place.

The road ahead seems precarious. The initial jubilation is shadowed by fears of a return to autocracy—a sentiment echoed by many who survived years of conflict. The question remains as to whether Syria can balance the delicate act of establishing democratic institutions while managing the competing visions that define its complex sociopolitical landscape. Observing from the ground, hope mingles with caution, and for many, the battle to protect the hard-won freedoms has just begun.