MSDBy Diaa Al-Assi
Hama, Syria (SDC) – The residents of the city of Hama are expressing immense joy following the fall of the al-Assad regime. Scenes about the city and its countryside reflect widespread celebrations in the aftermath of the regime’s fall. The people of Hama are breathing a collective sigh of relief after decades of oppression under the Assad regime. For over fifty years, they endured a suffocating nightmare, but now, with the collapse of the regime and the flight of Assad and his repressive security forces, a new chapter has begun. This new era is defined by hope for a future rooted in citizenship, equality, and political pluralism.
Yet, amid the celebrations, the memories of the 1982 massacre—a dark chapter in Hama’s history—linger painfully. Nowadays, many of residents feel that justice has finally been achieved with the fall of the regime. For the first time in decades, there is a sense that rights are being restored to those who were wronged, offering a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and a brighter future.
The fall of the Syrian regime marked the beginning of a new era long awaited by the people of Hama. This new phase represents an opportunity for the city’s residents to rebuild what decades of al-Assad family rule had destroyed and to bridge the divisions that the regime had deliberately exacerbated. Many in Hama were forced to serve in al-Assad’s military and security forces, a reality that has left deep scars. Numerous political workshops and discussions have been organized, focusing on issues critical to the province and the broader aspirations of Syrians for the new government. A central theme in these gatherings is the collective commitment of all Syrians to participate in building a new Syria.
Hama Celebrates the Return of Political Freedom
“The weight of oppression has lifted, and now we must build a new political future founded on love and patriotism,” Ammar Al-Jarf, a lawyer and political activist from Hama, said. He emphasized that the Assad regime and its oppressive security practices had forced most Syrians to abandon political engagement, confining them to the narrow ideological framework of the Baath Party. This led to the marginalization and stagnation of political activities in Syria. But now, with the regime’s fall, political vitality is returning. The active participation of Hama’s residents in conferences and seminars held after Assad’s fall demonstrates that many possess a balanced political discourse and a clear vision for the new Syria. This was evident to Ammar and others who listened to the city’s activists and community leaders during discussions about Syria’s new reality.
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Ammar observes that political activity in Hama has experienced a significant increase since the regime’s fall. Recently, a meeting was held at the Ebla Cham Hotel in the city. This gathering sparked in-depth discussions about the economic challenges facing the province. Participants emphasized the urgent need to implement effective economic plans. The goal is to improve the livelihoods of Syrians and address the pressing issues affecting their daily lives. Given Hama’s central location in Syria, the new current authority in Damascus has a unique opportunity to leverage this strategic advantage to revitalize economic activity. Additionally, many participants sent messages to Mr. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, urging him to enhance security around the city and involve local residents in these efforts. The aim is to prevent remnants of the regime from sowing chaos.
“Truly, Hama is witnessing daily political activities, and what’s most important is the presence of delegations from all parts of Hama’s countryside and from all communities. This confirms that Syrians are, in fact, united,” Al-Jarf concluded his speech. At the end of each seminar, broad outlines and expectations for the new leadership are established. Syrians are eager to quickly adopt a new social contract that unites the people and to expedite the drafting of a new constitution. This constitution will serve as the foundation for political stability and will guarantee the rights of all Syrians.
Natural Concerns in a Time of Change
The fall of the Syrian regime marked the beginning of a new chapter, but like any transition, it comes with its share of concerns and challenges. These anxieties, however, remain within the natural bounds of what is expected during such political shifts. Iman Sheikh Al-Zour, a feminist activist, observes that while Hama is experiencing significant political momentum, there is also a palpable sense of anticipation and lingering worries. One of the most pressing concerns is the structure of the new government and the political roadmap needed to achieve a pluralistic and democratic Syria.
Despite these challenges, the new leadership has provided reassurances through its regional and international engagements, which have helped ease some of these fears. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for the leadership to act quickly to establish political stability across the country. This stability is essential for creating a foundation that supports progress in all other areas.
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“We, as a feminist movement, have a lot of work to do within Hama’s society, including its rural areas,” Sheikh Al-Zour said. The movement’s goal is to help people overcome the legacy of the previous regime and actively participate in the new political and social activities. She also highlights the strong responsiveness of the new leadership to their efforts, noting that collaboration between the city’s residents and those in the countryside is already underway. Together, they are working to strengthen the social fabric across the province, paving the way for a more unified and inclusive future.
There is no doubt that the majority of Syrians have been freed from the terror and oppressive practices of the previous regime, which targeted all Syrians without exception. However, Syrians now face the immense task of bridging the political, economic, and social divides that the Assad regime created over decades. Despite these challenges, the people of Hama are actively engaging in significant and meaningful political activities. A sense of public relief is evident, reflected in the noticeable decline in security incidents across the city and its countryside. According to many, the greatest burden has been lifted, and they now stand at the threshold of a new era. The focus is on ensuring that stability, at all levels, becomes the defining feature of this next chapter.
