The Syrian conflict, which has now spanned over thirteen years, exemplifies the adage that history is written by the winners. Throughout this tumultuous period, Western nations, including NATO, the United States, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Israel, have actively supported various foreign and domestic terrorist factions in their bid to oust the Bashar al-Assad government. This effort was accompanied by a concerted campaign to vilify Assad and the Syrian Army, portraying them as the primary forces responsible for the rampant violence, death, and destruction afflicting the nation. This narrative suggested that Assad’s sole purpose was to eliminate every Syrian citizen, while the numerous atrocities committed by the terrorist groups were brushed aside, reframed as acts of resistance and heroism in the name of freedom.
While mainstream media outlets largely adhered to this distorted narrative, highlighting the “rebel” factions as “peaceful protesters” or “freedom fighters,” the alternative media began to expose the grim realities of life under these extremist groups. Over the years, the true nature of the so-called Syrian opposition became increasingly undeniable, leading to a gradual acknowledgment of their terrorist activities by some Western officials instead of facing the ramifications of their complicity. Nevertheless, a robust counter-narrative emerged, offering accounts of the horror imposed on the Syrian populace by these foreign-backed factions, particularly as the situation escalated into chaos. Yet, despite the solid evidence provided by alternative sources, mainstream media continued to act as a mouthpiece for state-sponsored information while suppressing dissenting voices and alternative viewpoints through aggressive censorship and disinformation campaigns.
Recently, the tide of the conflict appears to have shifted, with Assad being toppled and a purported victory for the opposition now heralded. This transformation has engendered a concerted effort to rewrite history, where former terrorists are now portrayed as liberators, opening prisons to testify against the previous regime while fabricating evidence in the process. Western media continues to propagate these narratives, with headlines announcing celebrations in Syria over Assad’s downfall and claims of newfound freedom. However, the reality portrayed in these narratives stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many Syrian citizens who, though they may have harbored grievances against the Assad government, recognized the threats posed by foreign intervention and extremist factions as ultimately worse alternatives for the preservation of national sovereignty and social order.
During personal visits to Syria between 2017 and 2019, discerning opinions among the populace revealed a complex picture of a society beleaguered yet defiant. Most Syrians, while acknowledging the failings of the Assad administration, supported his leadership primarily because they feared the consequences of a complete collapse, such as the widespread chaos seen in neighboring countries like Libya. In conversations across various regions, the general sentiment indicated a desire to maintain a functional governing structure, one that promoted religious pluralism and independence rather than succumb to the chaos that extremist factions would bring. The hope for a democratic alternative was present but overshadowed by the necessity of preserving statehood in the face of external threats.
As the aftermath of Assad’s ousting unfolds, the narrative being spun by Western media depicts a jubilant populace celebrating newfound freedoms. However, such proclamations overlook the nuanced and divisive nature of the conflict. While some individuals may indeed be rejoicing, it fails to account for the greater fears of potential retribution and chaos that may follow in the wake of Assad’s exit. Historical precedents, such as the jubilant celebrations over American interventions in Iraq, serve as reminders that jubilation can quickly turn into despair as the aftermath brings forth unforeseen consequences leading to further instability and suffering.
With Syria now under the control of factions once characterized as terrorists, concerns about a descent into protracted conflict echo the lessons of past civil wars. The prospect of escalating violence fueled by sectarian divides, coupled with ingrained animosities, threatens to plunge the country into chaos akin to that experienced during the Lebanese Civil War. Reports of ongoing clashes indicate that a peaceful resolution seems increasingly remote, with foreign interests poised to exploit the fragmentation of power within Syria. Rather than an end to violence and potential lifting of sanctions, the new chapter may instead herald a continuation or even an intensification of strife, testing the resilience of a country already battered by over a decade of war.
The narrative shaping the post-Assad era reflects a broader attempt to obscure the complexities of the conflict while advancing simplified conclusions favoring Western interventionism. As chroniclers of this tragic saga, individuals who have documented the intricate realities of the Syrian experience are increasingly regarded with skepticism, branded as conspiracy theorists for contesting the dominant dogma. Such responses serve to silence critical discourse, reinforcing the notion that objectivity has been sacrificed at the altar of geopolitical interests. The future remains uncertain, but the lessons learned from this conflict emphasize the perils of external meddling and the enduring struggle of a people caught within the crosshairs of international power games.
