# A Shift in Perspective: Wanted Status in Post-War Syria

In the aftermath of the Assad regime, former fears over being “wanted” are transforming into a symbol of resistance and honor among Syrians.

As Syria navigates the complexities of its post-civil war reality, the tenor of life has shifted dramatically. Recently returned expatriates, like Kazem Togan, are flipping the notion of “being wanted” on its head. During a recent visit to Syria, Togan took the opportunity to ask the passport control agent about his status on the infamous wanted lists published by the repressive Assad regime.

To his surprise and delight, the agent revealed, “You’re wanted by branch 235,” referring to the secret intelligence sector. This acknowledgment, far from evoking fear, brought Togan a sense of validation. “Today, every Syrian asks as a matter of routine, ‘Was I wanted?’” he remarked, noting how pride has replaced trepidation in this new atmosphere.

For over fifty years, the Assad dynasty ruled through fear and intimidation, maintaining extensive lists of citizens they sought to silence—those whose names could lead to detention or worse. This status, grimly referred to as “having a name,” often carried severe consequences.

However, now the situation has flip-flopped. Once dread-laden inquiries about one’s potential place on a government list have turned into inquiries filled with boldness and pride. Syrians who had been detained or were classified as wanted are now heralded as valiant figures standing against a brutal regime that oppressed millions. Social media buzzes with stories celebrating this newfound recognition, marking a significant cultural shift for a nation that has endured decades of suffering.

“Having been wanted by a regime that tortured and killed is now seen as a badge of honor,” Togan explained, highlighting how fear has slowly evaporated from public discourse, replaced by a collective acknowledgment of suffering and resilience. The language of resistance is now woven into the fabric of Syrian identity as individuals take pride in surviving a regime that sought to erase them.

As the citizens of Syria continue to redefine their narratives in a post-regime era, their stories of want, suffering, and ultimately pride underscore the ongoing quest for freedom and recognition in a country still grappling with its past.