Vandals curse Hafez Assad in his hometown mausoleum

Qardaha, Syria, recently witnessed the aftermath of the ouster of Bashar Assad, with local sentiments turning against the Assad family. Vandalism at Hafez Assad's mausoleum highlighted the changing perception of his legacy, as people were seen taking pictures at what remains of his grave. The town is starkly contrasted by memories of wealth, with its main street now riddled with potholes, representing economic decline as families resort to eating simple meals due to poverty. The armed forces appear vulnerable as many young recruits from the area have gone missing since the army's decline against rebel forces. Residents, facing the harsh realities of life in the aftermath of the regime, report grave concerns for their relatives who served in the military, with some given limited information about their fates. A majority state that their motivations for sending their children into the army stem from economic necessity, rather than allegiance to the government. The low salaries earned by young men engaged in military service further highlight their desperation, receiving compensation insufficient to even cover basic transportation. In the wake of these developments, the population hopes for a new beginning, as discussions among local leaders shed light on the expectations for future governance. They express a longing for both accountability and forgiveness among past regimes as well as transitional justice that would address grievances from all factions involved in the civil conflict. A sense of cautious optimism emerges regarding the potential for rights and duties to be impartially recognized by the new leadership in Syria. While some level of security is reported, incidents of looting and robberies linger, giving rise to fears about public safety. The Alawite community feels an anticipative caution as they navigate this uncertain landscape. Community leaders and advocacy voices articulate the desire for no one group to dominate or dictate the terms of reconciliation, aiming instead for an inclusive process that acknowledges the actions of all parties during the civil strife. The citizens of Qardaha yearn for a future where they are treated as equal citizens under the law.