The remnants of Assad's regime still leave a mark on Syrian society, yet returning citizens proudly inquire about their past 'wanted' statuses, transforming fear into a symbol of resistance.
Embracing the Past: Syria’s Transformation of ‘Wanted’ Status
Embracing the Past: Syria’s Transformation of ‘Wanted’ Status
Syrians now wear their 'wanted' status as a badge of honor after years of oppression.
In a striking shift from a legacy of fear to one of pride, many Syrians who return to their homeland after years of exile are now seemingly eager to check if they are among the millions once labeled as "wanted" by the ousted Assad regime. During his recent trip back to Syria after 12 years, Kazem Togan approached an immigration officer with his query. To his delight, he was informed that he was "wanted by branch 235," a prestigious identification under the Assad dictatorship's oppressive rule.
In a country where the ominous "wanted" lists created by the Assad family were synonymous with torment and fear, an intriguing cultural transformation is underway. Kazem, a journalist deeply involved with opposition media during the regime's reign, described the newfound pride many feel in being acknowledged by the system that once tortured and imprisoned countless people to maintain control.
Over five decades, the name “Bashar al-Assad” became an emblem of terror. Anyone included in the regime's numerous intelligence branches faced the grim possibility of being detained and vanishing into the oppressive prison ecosystem. However, now, their status has morphed into a symbol of defiance.
Echoing popular sentiments, it has become routine for citizens to question whether they "had a name" on these notorious lists. Once met with dread, this status is now celebrated on social media and in casual conversation as a hallmark of resistance. Many now take pride in their past affiliations with the very regime that sought to silence them, embodying resilience and the spirit of survival in a post-war Syria.
In stark contrast to prior generations' secrets and fears, the notion of "having a name" has transformed into a badge of honor, representing both solidarity and a fierce rejection of oppression in Syria's new chapter.
