The ancient city of Homs, a stronghold of opposition against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, was ravaged by government crackdowns. Days after al-Assad’s ouster, thousands of Syrians are returning home, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
Abdulrahman Alama, 37, a refugee from Lebanon who returned to his family home in Homs, expressed shock at the destruction. His father disappeared during police questioning in 2013, and he fears for their safety with al-Assad’s government gone.
Tamam Kara Hussain, 69, lost three brothers who were detained at checkpoints and never seen again. He curses al-Assad, saying “We just wanted freedom, and he did all this.” Despite the suffering, many Syrians are welcoming al-Assad’s ouster, seeing it as a chance for their future.
A year after his father disappeared, Hussain’s 8-year-old son was killed by police officers who never investigated the incident. The government had done little to repair the city in 14 years, and many Syrians need basic necessities like water, electricity, and connection.
As al-Assad’s regime crumbles, Syrians are coming together to rebuild their lives. Local businessmen like Jihad al-Surur are donating machines and workers to clear rubble and collect garbage. A teacher of English literature, Mufid al-Swabe, 40, stopped a reporter to ask for basic necessities for his family.
The return of hope is tempered by the memories of suffering and fear. Maria al-Amin, 45, said she was happy with al-Assad’s ouster, but acknowledged that “the sadness is inside but not on the outside.” As Syrians welcome their leader’s fall, they are also acknowledging the long road ahead to recovery and rebuilding their lives.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/world/middleeast/syria-homs-assad.html