Al Jazeera speaks to Syrians as they rejoice one yr for the reason that fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Damascus, Syria – Syrians have marked the primary anniversary of the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad with fireworks and jubilant celebrations in main cities, amid renewed optimism for long-lasting freedom and security after 14 years of struggle.
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa advised giant crowds in Damascus on Monday that the nation had turned the web page from a “darkish chapter” in its historical past and now “seems in direction of a promising future”.
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Over the previous yr, al-Sharaa’s authorities has taken steps to offer primary companies to residents, as hundreds of thousands of refugees weigh the choice to return residence.
Al-Sharaa promised to convey justice to the households of the victims of the al-Assad regime and construct an inclusive Syria, amid ongoing efforts to convey all armed forces beneath Damascus’s authority. His authorities additionally managed to reshape overseas ties and procure the lifting of worldwide sanctions.
Despite bouts of sectarian violence, recurring Israeli assaults and deep financial challenges, Syrians stay largely assured that the top of the al-Assad household’s decades-long tyrannical rule has ushered in a brand new period of stability.
Al Jazeera spoke to Syrians celebrating in public squares on Monday about what they count on from the brand new authorities and their hopes for the long run.
Lina al-Masri
Today really appears like a celebration. Syria is free. We live in security. This is a happiness we haven’t seen amongst Syrians in ages.
We totally help [al-Sharaa’s] administration, wholeheartedly and sincerely. For now, the state has completed every part effectively. Most importantly, it has offered us with safety. It has ensured that our youth can exit safely, and that’s the best achievement to this point.
We have been apprehensive, sitting in concern for our younger males and boys, anxious that they could be taken and never return, or die. But now, the streets are stuffed with our youth strolling safely. Our males stroll freely and safely with none concern.
Khaled Jaboush
Injustice and oppression have been lifted off the shoulders of Syrian residents. Now they’ll specific their emotions, their liberty, and their beliefs.
You see the crowds out right here – they got here out of their very own free will. In the previous, folks used to march out of obligation. Today, the folks got here out willingly, joyful and pleased with their [newfound] freedom.
We are delighted with the sensible management we now have. We are pleased with the event and progress which, God keen, will prevail in our nation. Today, God keen, the economic system has begun to develop, and the wheel is beginning to flip.
It’s an indescribable feeling. After a long time of injustice and oppression, we obtained our freedom again. The freedom we have been denied for 50 years.
Yehya and Hussein
Everyone is chanting, everyone seems to be collectively, all in concord. I really feel the safety forces and the military at the moment are a part of us. You move by, they usually greet you with out hesitation. You don’t really feel scared, like somebody’s out to get you.
We used to dream of charging our telephones. Now we now have electrical energy, we now have lights, we now have consolation.
I’ve lived overseas my complete life due to al-Assad’s oppressive regime. When I got here again right here, I felt like I’m residing in my nation for the primary time.
There have been occasions after I visited Syria, however I felt like an outsider. Now, no – now I really feel like I belong in my very own nation.
I hope at this time continues to be an enduring image of peace for us and for our whole nation.
Rima al-Omari
Everything is evolving. There are some good initiatives and delightful partnerships with different international locations. So hopefully, our nation will flourish.
Work alternatives in ministries have change into simpler; they care concerning the nation and the folks’s circumstances.
Services are bettering step-by-step. Of course, every part begins small, however we’re missing nothing. Everything is accessible, thank God.
The Syrian folks have improved, too. They’ve change into hotter, extra passionate, and located one thing to rebuild this nation on. They’ve obtained a life now.
