In Syria, being on the wanted list under the Assad regime has transformed from a source of fear to a badge of honor. Many citizens now openly inquire about their status, with individuals like journalist Kazem Togan expressing pride in being marked as wanted. This societal shift reflects a significant change in attitudes toward oppression and resilience.
In Syria, the perception of being wanted by the ousted Assad regime has drastically shifted from a cause for fear to a source of pride. Individuals now openly inquire if they are listed among the millions targeted by the former dictatorship, some even sharing their status with a sense of achievement. Kazem Togan, a journalist who supported opposition media, exemplifies this change; upon returning to Syria, he eagerly sought confirmation of his name on the wanted lists, to which a passport control agent confirmed he was indeed wanted by the intelligence branch, a revelation he received with excitement.
For over five decades, the Assad dynasty maintained control through intimidation, with countless citizens marked as wanted individuals by various security branches. Previously, being listed meant the risk of disappearing into a repressive prison system. This status, locally termed as “having a name,” would invoke terror and anxiety among Syrians.
However, the narrative has transformed significantly; people who once lived in fear are now engaging in conversations about their pasts, discussing their status with others and even taking pride in being targeted. The stigma of being on a list of wanted persons has turned into a testament of defiance against a regime notorious for torturing and murdering its citizens, demonstrating a remarkable transformation in societal attitudes toward resistance and suffering under authoritarian rule.
The evolution in the perception of being wanted in Syria illustrates a profound change in societal values. What was once a fearful stigma has become a point of pride for many who opposed the Assad regime. This shift reflects a broader narrative of resistance against oppression and an assertion of identity among Syrians who wish to reclaim their dignity following decades of fear and repression.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
