Syria's post-Assad chief vowed the nation is for all. Some Syrians have their doubts

[ad_1] It's uncommon to see a rustic emerge from the devastation of a 13-year civil struggle and greater than 50 years of authoritarian rule.

But Syria, six months after the autumn of President Bashar al-Assad, is making an attempt simply that.

Reconstruction is underway. The suspension of long-standing U.S. sanctions has opened new financial alternatives. Overseas delegations are returning to the capital, Damascus.

Regardless of the indicators of progress, nevertheless, rising issues have emerged over studies of civil rights violations and the concentrating on of non secular minorities — incidents that officers have characterised as remoted.

Syria's inhabitants is predominantly Sunni Muslim — about 74 per cent — alongside different Muslim minorities, which characterize about 13 per cent, together with Alawites. Christians characterize about 10 per cent, and three per cent are Druze.

Regardless of repeated assurances from the brand new Syrian president, Ahmad al-Sharaa — previously Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani — that minorities are full and equal residents, a collection of incidents, significantly in opposition to Alawites and Druze, has sparked concern. Reviews have emerged of violations concentrating on a nightclub in Damascus, including to the unease.

<img loading="lazy" alt="People sit at tables in a restaurant as a person sings from a stage." srcset="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565777.1750352882!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/music-concert-in-syria.jpg?im=Resize%3D300 300w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565777.1750352882!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/music-concert-in-syria.jpg?im=Resize%3D460 460w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565777.1750352882!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/music-concert-in-syria.jpg?im=Resize%3D620 620w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565777.1750352882!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/music-concert-in-syria.jpg?im=Resize%3D780 780w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565777.1750352882!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/music-concert-in-syria.jpg?im=Resize%3D1180 1180w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 300px,(max-width: 460px) 460px,(max-width: 620px) 620px,(max-width: 780px) 780px,(max-width: 1180px) 1180px" src="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565777.1750352882!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/music-concert-in-syria.jpg?im=" style="aspect-ratio:2.0033955857385397" data-cy="image-img"/> Music concert events proceed in Syria that includes alcohol out there for these listening to the performances. (Ghalia Bdiwe) Syrian journalist Abssi Smiesim, who relocated to Damascus from Turkey following the autumn of Assad, hyperlinks present issues to the behaviour of some Muslim extremist teams.

"I visited all of the minority areas lately," he stated. "You'll be able to sense worry — not from the federal government itself, however from its incapability to regulate teams with jihadist backgrounds."

When rebels, many with Sunni backgrounds, accompanied by teams of jihadist fighters, succeeded in toppling Assad's regime in December, minority communities feared retaliation.

WATCH | Celebrating the autumn of Assad: Large crowds rejoice Assad’s fall as robust decisions await Syria

Lower than per week after the autumn of the Assad regime, 1000's of Syrians have taken to the streets to rejoice as victorious insurgent forces appeared on, however amid the enjoyment is rising uncertainty concerning the future as financial and political challenges mount. Issues had been significantly robust amongst these anxious about ideological leanings of the brand new management, a lot of whom have ties to Salafist or jihadist backgrounds and who sometimes observe strict non secular conservatism. Some people with such backgrounds advocate for inflexible social norms, significantly round girls's costume, gender mixing gatherings, alcohol consumption and governance.

A altering social material At a bistro on a slim alleyway within the coronary heart of Previous Damascus, a district recognized for vibrant bars and pubs, Ghani Isaac, a Christian, spoke of his unease about what lies forward.

"You'll be able to order an alcoholic drink," Isaac stated, taking a look at his beer, "however you are by no means positive" when a Muslim extremist or a international jihadist fighter who arrived in Damascus with the brand new management "would possibly assault you due to it" as a result of non secular Muslim teams imagine in banning alcohol consumption.

<img loading="lazy" alt="A person sits at a table." srcset="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565757.1750352510!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/ghani-isacc.jpg?im=Resize%3D300 300w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565757.1750352510!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/ghani-isacc.jpg?im=Resize%3D460 460w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565757.1750352510!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/ghani-isacc.jpg?im=Resize%3D620 620w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565757.1750352510!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/ghani-isacc.jpg?im=Resize%3D780 780w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565757.1750352510!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/ghani-isacc.jpg?im=Resize%3D1180 1180w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 300px,(max-width: 460px) 460px,(max-width: 620px) 620px,(max-width: 780px) 780px,(max-width: 1180px) 1180px" src="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565757.1750352510!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/ghani-isacc.jpg?im=" style="aspect-ratio:0.7903549899531145" data-cy="image-img"/> Ghani Isaac didn’t depart Syria all through the struggle and is now involved about what he calls rising sectarian rhetoric. (Ghalia Bdiwe) Reviews counsel the federal government is contemplating integrating greater than 3,500 fighters who got here to Syria throughout the civil struggle to combat for insurgent factions into the nationwide military.

"These folks did not come out of affection for Syria," Isaac stated. "They're gaining affect, generally greater than the locals."

In Bab Sharqi, a Christian quarter of Damascus, residents say the environment has shifted to a extra pessimistic outlook because the political transition.

Isaac and his pal, Khalil Salloum, did not depart Syria all through the struggle and are involved about what they name rising sectarian rhetoric and extremism.

"Group occasions have dwindled because the regime change," Isaac stated. "The federal government presents some safety for our celebrations and occasions like Christmas and Easter, however we're extra comfy counting on Christian volunteer guards, one thing we by no means wanted earlier than."

<img loading="lazy" alt="Children carrying a colourful display march in an Easter parade." srcset="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565822.1750353717!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-easter.JPG?im=Resize%3D300 300w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565822.1750353717!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-easter.JPG?im=Resize%3D460 460w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565822.1750353717!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-easter.JPG?im=Resize%3D620 620w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565822.1750353717!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-easter.JPG?im=Resize%3D780 780w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565822.1750353717!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-easter.JPG?im=Resize%3D1180 1180w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 300px,(max-width: 460px) 460px,(max-width: 620px) 620px,(max-width: 780px) 780px,(max-width: 1180px) 1180px" src="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565822.1750353717!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-easter.JPG?im=" style="aspect-ratio:1.4993646759847523" data-cy="image-img"/> Christians march in a parade in Damascus on April 20 to rejoice Easter amid safety measures beneath the brand new Islamist-led authorities. (Firas Makdesi/Reuters) Salloum stated that many Christians they know are actively looking for to to migrate, fearing for his or her security from illegal assaults and looking for the liberty to practise their tradition with out restrictions.

Sectarian clashes close to Damascus In Jaramana, a predominantly Druze suburb outdoors Damascus, tensions stay excessive following lethal violence in April. The unrest was sparked by an audio recording that allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad, probably the most revered determine in Islam, and was falsely attributed to a Druze cleric, Marwan Kiwan.

Though the federal government confirmed the recording was faux, clashes between Syrian safety forces and armed teams close to Damascus left a minimum of 10 folks lifeless and led to a quick safety lockdown.

Amongst those that witnessed the unrest was native resident Dima Masoud, who's Druze.

"The federal government did attempt to include the violence," she stated, "however it additionally thanked those that 'defended the Prophet,' which felt like a type of oblique encouragement."

<img loading="lazy" alt="Armed security forces stand on both sides of a street as a vehicle drives along the road." srcset="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7566171.1750365511!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-damascus-druze.JPG?im=Resize%3D300 300w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7566171.1750365511!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-damascus-druze.JPG?im=Resize%3D460 460w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7566171.1750365511!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-damascus-druze.JPG?im=Resize%3D620 620w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7566171.1750365511!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-damascus-druze.JPG?im=Resize%3D780 780w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7566171.1750365511!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-damascus-druze.JPG?im=Resize%3D1180 1180w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 300px,(max-width: 460px) 460px,(max-width: 620px) 620px,(max-width: 780px) 780px,(max-width: 1180px) 1180px" src="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7566171.1750365511!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-damascus-druze.JPG?im=" style="aspect-ratio:1.4993646759847523" data-cy="image-img"/> Syrian safety forces stand collectively following lethal clashes between Sunni fighters in opposition to armed Druze residents on the entrance of Jaramana, outdoors Damascus, on Might 5. (Yamam Al Shaar/Reuters) Masoud is unconvinced by assurances from authorities officers that the incident was remoted.

"These aren't simply remoted accidents," she stated. "I do not know whether or not the president actually lacks management over the factions or if we're watching a deeper fracture emerge amongst Syrians."

When requested whether or not al-Sharaa has fulfilled his mantra that Syria is for all, Masoud provided her opinion: "After all not."

She stated she fears secularists and defenders of civil liberties now face as a lot marginalization as non secular minorities.

Secularists additionally really feel threatened In a dwell music café in Damascus, guide creator Jaber Yehya expressed a hopeful but guarded outlook.

"My optimism will depend on us [secular people] working laborious to show ourselves," he stated. "If the extremists stand in our manner, we are going to push again."

Yehya, a former refugee in Europe, returned to Syria for good following the regime change, pushed by a imaginative and prescient for a extra inclusive future.

"I got here again to assist construct a Syria that embraces everybody."

WATCH | Getting again to work after the autumn of Assad: Damascus curfew lifts, Syrians return to work after Assad’s fall

A way of calm and order is returning to Damascus after Syrian insurgent leaders lifted a city-wide curfew and urged folks to return to work after the autumn of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Linda Bilal just isn't a part of a minority group, however belongs to a circle of liberal activists preventing to protect their presence and civil liberties in opposition to rising extremism in Syria. She returned from Europe after Assad's fall.

She recalled a tense encounter in April within the metropolis of Idlib, the insurgent stronghold in northwest Syria from which Al-Jolani ran a type of shadow authorities. A international fighter she thought got here from Egypt confronted her over not overlaying her hair with a hijab, telling her to "respect the nation."

Bilal stated: "I fled Assad, and now I am being lectured on the way to be Syrian by somebody who is not even from this nation?"

Nonetheless, Bilal is resolute in claiming her proper to a voice in Syria's future.

"I will not change. We have to reclaim public house, foster dialogue and keep seen."

Altering clothes kinds Lately, Syrian cities have mirrored a mix of conservative and liberal costume norms.

Though no official costume code has been launched beneath the brand new regime, many ladies in several components of Syria have adopted a extra cautious strategy to their clothes.

Dima Masoud now has a extra conservative look, choosing lengthy pants as a substitute of shorts and sporting jackets with lengthy sleeves.

"I do not know what might occur if I hold my previous dressing fashion," she stated, "however I am not prepared to attempt."

Her issues mirror rising affect of hardline Islamist teams that promote strict modesty requirements, together with the hijab (headband) — and, in some areas, even the niqab.

However not everybody shares these issues.

In Damascus, Yara Shafa Omri, who has lengthy chosen to decorate freely and with out a headband, says she hasn't needed to alter her costume code beneath the brand new authorities.

<img loading="lazy" alt="A person sits at a table on a patio." srcset="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565764.1750352849!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/yara-shafa-omri.jpg?im=Resize%3D300 300w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565764.1750352849!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/yara-shafa-omri.jpg?im=Resize%3D460 460w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565764.1750352849!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/yara-shafa-omri.jpg?im=Resize%3D620 620w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565764.1750352849!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/yara-shafa-omri.jpg?im=Resize%3D780 780w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565764.1750352849!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/yara-shafa-omri.jpg?im=Resize%3D1180 1180w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 300px,(max-width: 460px) 460px,(max-width: 620px) 620px,(max-width: 780px) 780px,(max-width: 1180px) 1180px" src="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565764.1750352849!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/yara-shafa-omri.jpg?im=" style="aspect-ratio:0.7501589319771138" data-cy="image-img"/> Yara Shafa Omri says 'the social scene hasn't modified' in Damascus beneath the brand new Syrian authorities, and events and gatherings with blended genders are nonetheless occurring. (Ghalia Bdiwe) She studies no harassment over her informal apparel or way of life. In her view, on-line criticism claiming the federal government is imposing a inflexible Islamic code is exaggerated and would not align along with her expertise dwelling in Damascus.

"The social scene hasn't modified," she stated, noting events and gatherings with blended genders are nonetheless occurring.

Shafa Omri believes criticism of the brand new authorities is untimely.

"The brand new authorities inherited a damaged system," she stated. "They've given us hope and a way of freedom. We won't count on miracles in a single day."

Searching for extra illustration In his inauguration speech, al-Sharaa promised to "work on an inclusive authorities that displays the range of the nation."

Whereas this was considerably fulfilled, stated Fadel Abdulghany, govt director of the Syrian Community for Human Rights, "we needed to see an even bigger illustration — within the structure drafting committee, for example."

<img loading="lazy" alt="People play cards at a table as one of them turns around to watch a television broadcasting a person speaking from behind a podium." srcset="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565826.1750353828!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-sharaa-speech.JPG?im=Resize%3D300 300w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565826.1750353828!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-sharaa-speech.JPG?im=Resize%3D460 460w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565826.1750353828!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-sharaa-speech.JPG?im=Resize%3D620 620w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565826.1750353828!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-sharaa-speech.JPG?im=Resize%3D780 780w,https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565826.1750353828!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-sharaa-speech.JPG?im=Resize%3D1180 1180w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 300px,(max-width: 460px) 460px,(max-width: 620px) 620px,(max-width: 780px) 780px,(max-width: 1180px) 1180px" src="https://i.cbc.ca/1.7565826.1750353828!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_1180/syria-security-sharaa-speech.JPG?im=" style="aspect-ratio:1.4993646759847523" data-cy="image-img"/> Males play playing cards at a espresso store as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the nation in a televised speech in Damascus on Might 14. (Yamam al Shaar/Reuters) Abdulghany, whose community has been following the trajectory of the Syrian struggle since 2011, stated his group "had suggested from the start that for a very inclusive political transition in Syria, minority communities needed to be engaged not simply as ethnic or non secular teams, however as political stakeholders. Many are extremely certified and able to contributing at senior ranges."

The brand new authorities "needed to strategy Syrian minority teams in a greater manner," he instructed CBC from Doha, Qatar.

"I am not advocating for a sectarian authorities enshrined within the structure. However throughout this vital interval, broader inclusion was important to keep away from unfavorable speculations."