La Croix: interview with Samar Yazbek, 16 December 2024
Like many Syrians, Samar Yazbek has only known the totalitarian regimes of Hafez Al Assad and his son, Bashar, who have profoundly shaped the country. The fall of the latter, on December 8, leaves the country facing a massive reconstruction effort.
You participated in the Syrian revolution from its onset in 2011. How did you react to Bashar Al Assad’s fall more than thirteen years later?
Samar Yazbek:
I was convinced that Bashar Al Assad would be overthrown ever since Aleppo was liberated by the militias. Yet, when he fell, I burst into joy. At the same time, I felt fear. I feared massacres, particularly against Alawites and Christians. Yes, I expected a lot of violence, given how often Bashar Al Assad played on sectarian divisions. He pitted Sunnis against Alawites, Christians against Alawites, Christians against Sunnis, and so on.
But the opposite happened. As the militias united under the banner of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTC) advanced toward Damascus, they embraced Christians and Alawites along the way. Seeing all communities together felt like witnessing a miracle. It was a powerful moment. Syrians showed that they possess a patriotic identity independent of the monster that is Bashar Al Assad. Despite all his attempts at sectarian division, we remained capable of living together. That is a victory, and I feel immense pride because of it.
Do you see a specific risk for the Alawites, your community, but also that of Bashar Al Assad?
S. Y.:
The primary danger for the Alawites was the Assad family! That said, I was afraid for them, but as we speak, no reprisals have been reported. The militiamen have not targeted Christians, Ismailis, or Shiites either. They told everyone, “You are Syrian.” In a way, that’s a first step.
However, it is my duty as an intellectual to remain cautious. I am afraid, and I think this fear will last for at least a year. There could be clashes within HTC, the promise of a civilian government might not be kept, and women’s rights could be violated.
HTC issued a statement saying that no one has the right to restrict women’s freedom or pressure them regarding how they dress. This reassures me somewhat, but I am waiting to see what happens, especially concerning the Constitution.
Syria is also an international conflict zone, and much depends on the actions of those involved—Turkey, Russia, the United States, and Israel, which has bombed hundreds of targets since December 8. Why create such chaos?
Last week, bombs fell right next to my family’s home. It feels like the apocalypse, even though, at the same time, there is an outburst of joy throughout the country.
Isn’t the fall of the regime also a deeply personal upheaval?
You were born the year Hafez Al Assad came to power, and like many Syrians, you have only known his totalitarian rule and that of his son, Bashar.
S.Y.:
I haven’t been able to sleep since last Sunday. I still can’t believe it. It’s as if I’ve entered another galaxy. I’m trying to figure out how to return to Damascus while traveling regularly to France. But returning to a Syria without Assad will feel very strange.
Indeed, that’s all we’ve ever known. The slogan was: “Assad forever!” At school, we had to salute, and they would ask us, “Who is your president?” We were seven years old, and we would answer in unison: “Hafez Al Assad!” Then they would ask, “Hafez Al Assad for what?” We had to respond: “Forever!”
Anyone who didn’t say these exact words was slapped. So, you understand, I need some time to process this.
What remains of Syria from before the Assads?
S.Y.:
That patriotic identity I mentioned earlier. Admittedly, with many qualifiers, but it still exists. However, we have a long road ahead. Syria is at ground zero. We need to rebuild it. But we need time—it’s been less than ten days since the regime fell!
It’s unsettling because, as I told you, he was said to be there “forever!” And now Bashar Al Assad is gone. He fled, which, in a way, sums up everything he was: a coward, someone who sold out his land, divided his people, and killed his fellow citizens.
Having been detained in Syria yourself, how do you feel when seeing images of freed prisoners?
S.Y.:
I want to clarify that each time I was detained, it only lasted a few hours. I didn’t suffer like other prisoners did. I feel immense joy seeing this wave of liberation. I’ve always fought for this moment, documenting detention conditions along the way.
At the same time, I’m deeply saddened. Many imprisoned friends remain missing—they must be dead. (Silence.)
Even though I was aware of this death machine, seeing the direct images still breaks me. I try not to watch them too much. I can’t talk about it any further.