Bashar al-Assad and the Origins of the Crisis in Syria
Bashar al-Assad took over Syria after the death of his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000. Although initially introduced with promises of modernization and reform, his rule soon revealed its repressive character. Political opponents were silenced, freedom of the press and expression was restricted, and power within the regime was consolidated.
In the early 2000s, Syria was tense due to economic problems, corruption and social injustice. Especially the young population was reacting with unemployment and fear for the future. In 2011, as the Arab Spring swept the region, people took to the streets to demand democratic reforms and basic rights. Bashar al-Assad's government responded to peaceful demonstrations with bloody crackdowns, which deepened popular anger and sparked the uprising.
The uprising quickly turned into armed conflict. The struggle between opposition groups and state forces evolved into a multi-actor war that tore the country apart. ISIS, al-Nusra and radical groups took advantage of the vacuum, and tensions between ethnic and religious groups increased. The civil war was not only a political crisis, but also a destructive process targeting Syria's social fabric and civilizational heritage.
Civilizations were Meeting
Syria... A land that has been the apple of the world's eye throughout history. The stone columns of Palmyra, the bazaars of Aleppo, the domes of the Umayyad Mosque have carried the cultural heritage of humanity for thousands of years. Civilizations met here; languages, religions and cultures mingled. Syria was not just a geography, but a mirror of human history.
But today Syria is like a country that has disappeared in the shadow of its glorious history. Cities are destroyed, markets are empty, streets are silent. The screams rising from beneath the rubble recall the memory of the civilization that once echoed in these lands. The war has shattered not only buildings, but also memory, culture and the conscience of humanity.
Today, Syria is not just a scene of chaos, but of a struggle to be reborn from the ashes of history and culture. Every stone, every pile of rubble whispers a story of resistance. Humanity is being tested here; both the legacy of the past and the hope of the future are rising from the rubble.
The Fragile Struggle of Minorities
The most vulnerable groups during the war Alevis, Assyrians and Yazidis became. Their loyalty to Assad made Alawites a target under the new administration, while Assyrians and Yazidis struggled to survive the brutality of ISIS and the chaos of war.
In the post-Al-Sara period, Yazidis and Alawites in particular have been subjected to serious attacks and massacres. In some areas, forces loyal to al-Sara or militias taking advantage of the vacuum of control have carried out attacks against Yazidis and Alawites, targeting large numbers of civilians.
- Alevis They are targeted and subjected to social and political pressure because of their proximity to the former regime.
- Yazidis It faces attacks along the Sinjar line; its recovery is still fragile.
- Assyrians It is trying to survive in the shadow of the economic and social devastation caused by the war.
Turkey's Northern Syria Policy
Turkey has hosted around 5 million Syrians due to the instability in Syria. Its presence in northern Syria is decisive for both border security and regional influence.
- Safe Zones and Pressure on SDF/YPG: Ankara aims to reduce the PKK-related threat by preventing the SDF/YPG from establishing a permanent structure on the border.
- Terror Free Turkey Process: The dismantling of the PKK and the end of armed conflicts includes the containment of PKK/PYD structures in Syria.
- Mazlum Abdi and Disarmament Attempts: SDF/YPG leader Mazlum Abdi's call for laying down arms is a critical step for Turkey-SDF cooperation and the resolution of the conflict in Syria.
- Refugee Policy: Turkey is encouraging the return of Syrians in safe areas; lack of infrastructure and security concerns make return difficult.
Strategic Moves of Great Powers
Through the SDF/YPG, the US exerts regional influence and keeps ISIS and radical organizations under control. Although it tries to balance its relations with Turkey, support could become fragile if strategic interests change.
Russia should not be seen as an automatic supporting actor. Although it has provided support to the Assad regime in the past, its position is uncertain due to regime change and geopolitical uncertainties in Syria. Russia's role should be analyzed as both an opportunity and a risk.
Israel and Minorities
Israel closely monitors the power vacuum in Syria and regional threats. In particular, the presence of Iran and Hezbollah makes cross-border operations and intelligence activities constant.
For minorities, Israel's impact is two-dimensional:
- Humanitarian and security support: The humanitarian aid and educational opportunities provided to Yazidis create chances for survival.
- Regional influence: Interventions pose both opportunities and risks for the political representation and security of minorities.
Steps to End the Chaos
- Disarmament and safe zones.
- Protection and political representation of minorities.
- Safe return of Syrians and rebuilding infrastructure.
- Disarmament of the PKK/PYD and the Terror Free Turkey process.
- International diplomacy and coordination.
- Improving people's living standards through economic and humanitarian support.
The Future The Hope of Resistance
Syria's future will be shaped by multi-actor conflicts and negotiations. Minorities, Kurds and Syrians remain the most vulnerable. But there is one reality: Every child, every mother and every young person carries the hope of Syria. The people who resist oppression still keep the conscience of humanity alive. And even if history does not forgive the oppressors, it will not forget those who resist.