Residents in Damascus, particularly bar, pub, and nightclub owners, are increasingly anxious about the potential for the al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to impose a nationwide alcohol ban amid HTS’s encroachment on power in Syria. This concern stems from HTS’s historical trajectory as a jihadist terrorist organization that has fought against the regime of dictator Bashar Assad since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. Assad’s regime faced significant backlash from various factions, leading to widespread violence and unrest. Throughout this turbulent period, diverse actors, including nation-states and various militant groups, have pursued their agendas, often complicating the overall landscape of the conflict and fragmenting the opposition.
As HTS surrounded Damascus and Assad’s regime faltered, anxiety about governance shifted dramatically among the populace. While Assad’s rule is notorious for its brutality, particularly against dissenters, he had maintained a level of secular tolerance that allowed for nightlife and the presence of minority religious groups. Thus, a significant nightlife scene developed that is now under threat as HTS’s influence grows. Bar owners have expressed their fears about both the immediate economic impacts and potential cultural restrictions that could come with HTS’s rule, revealing a community caught between the desire to maintain their businesses and the fear of punitive actions against what is perceived as un-Islamic behavior.
Despite the uncertainty, HTS has not yet directly disrupted the functioning of bars or nightclubs, assuring business owners that they are focused on economic stability. Nevertheless, initial reactions have seen bars and liquor stores temporarily close as businesses tread cautiously, reflecting deep-seated fears among patrons who fear retribution from HTS for consuming alcohol. Bar owners are attempting to navigate this precarious situation by engaging with local HTS officials to gauge the permissibility of continuing their operations, revealing a complex interplay of survival instincts in the face of potential existential threats.
Reports indicate that some bar owners have received verbal assurances from HTS to resume operations without fear of repercussions. However, these reassurances have not translated into confidence among residents; even after reopening, customers remain hesitant to drink openly, reflecting a prevailing anxiety that HTS may eventually impose stricter regulations against alcohol. The wariness among patrons highlights an atmosphere of tension and fear, impacting their willingness to engage in social activities that were once commonplace, particularly during celebratory times such as Christmas, which holds significance for the sizable Christian population in Syria.
Moreover, the shift in governance poses existential cultural threats, especially to minority communities, such as Christians, who historically maintained a fragile coexistence under Assad. Fears intensify regarding the potential rise of a radical Islamist regime and the implications for religious and cultural freedoms. International observers and advocacy groups have raised alarms about the possible persecution of Christians and other minorities under HTS rule, recalling prior instances of violent repression against non-Sunni Muslim communities during the rise of organizations like ISIS. This historical context further complicates the fears held by Damascus residents about the future of their cultural practices and religious freedoms.
In response to the growing discontent, some locals have begun organizing protests against potential repression, particularly concerning women’s rights and the implications of sharia law under HTS. Demonstrations have emerged, echoing sentiments of defiance against any regressive policies while calling for equal rights, a stark reminder that despite the challenges ahead, the spirit of civil resistance persists among the inhabitants of Damascus. As the situation in Syria remains precarious, the outcomes of these struggles—both culturally and politically—will significantly shape the future landscape of not only Damascus but also the broader context of Syrian society.
