In a new twist to the narrative of oppression, many Syrians now take pride in having their names on the Assad regime's wanted lists, celebrating their defiance against tyranny.
**Syrians Embrace their Past Under the Assad Regime as a Symbol of Resistance**
**Syrians Embrace their Past Under the Assad Regime as a Symbol of Resistance**
As citizens return to Syria, being "wanted" by the former government becomes a mark of honor.
As veterans of the ousted Assad dictatorship return to Syria, they commonly inquire about their status on historical wanted lists—a stark transformation from living in fear to wearing their names as badges of courage. Kazem Togan, a journalist who left Syria for 12 years, received surprising news from passport control when told he was "wanted" by the regime's intelligence branch. Togan reflected on how every returning Syrian now routinely asks, "Was I wanted?" indicating a shift in perception from fear to pride.
The Assad family ruled Syria through a system of terror, compiling extensive lists of those marked as wanted, with individuals risking imprisonment or worse if identified. However, this status has now morphosed into a form of recognition. Syrians who were previously scared of the implications of having a “name” are now engaging in open conversations, often boasting about their past involvement against a regime known for its brutality.
To many, being on these lists is now considered evidence of standing against an oppressive regime that has tortured and killed countless individuals to maintain power. Former revulsion has turned into an assertion of identity, where mentioning one’s past status is a claim of bravery in the face of horror. In a society recovering from years of conflict, this newfound pride illustrates a profound cultural shift, redefining what it means to resist.
The Assad family ruled Syria through a system of terror, compiling extensive lists of those marked as wanted, with individuals risking imprisonment or worse if identified. However, this status has now morphosed into a form of recognition. Syrians who were previously scared of the implications of having a “name” are now engaging in open conversations, often boasting about their past involvement against a regime known for its brutality.
To many, being on these lists is now considered evidence of standing against an oppressive regime that has tortured and killed countless individuals to maintain power. Former revulsion has turned into an assertion of identity, where mentioning one’s past status is a claim of bravery in the face of horror. In a society recovering from years of conflict, this newfound pride illustrates a profound cultural shift, redefining what it means to resist.
