The fall of the Assad regime in Syria ushered in a wave of optimism and relief, particularly palpable in the bustling streets of Damascus. The overwhelming sentiment, especially among men, was one of jubilation at the ousting of the dictator and his oppressive apparatus. However, a subtle undercurrent of apprehension permeated the celebratory atmosphere, primarily emanating from the women of Syria. Their cautious optimism stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding the new leadership and its potential impact on their freedoms. While the majority of Syrian women are Sunni Muslims, their attire varies, with some wearing hijabs or niqabs and others choosing not to. Unlike countries like Iran, strict dress codes have not been the norm in Syria, fostering a sense of apprehension about the potential imposition of such restrictions under the new regime.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the HTS rebels who orchestrated the overthrow of Assad, emerged as the new leader. In a symbolic gesture of transformation, he discarded his traditional garb for a Western-style suit, aiming to project a break from his past association with extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. Al-Sharaa embarked on a public relations campaign, engaging in interviews and reassuring the public that his vision for an Islamic-led Syria would not mirror the harsh realities of ISIS or even Saudi Arabia. He emphasized adherence to the region’s traditions and culture, urging the public to judge his leadership by actions, not words. However, his past actions and the implementation of strict regulations in Idlib, a region under HTS control, cast a shadow over his promises.
Idlib served as a testing ground for HTS governance, and the experiences of women in this region fueled the anxieties of women across Syria. Human rights organizations documented instances of political dissidents being tortured, and women were notably absent from leadership positions. A special force, later replaced by a “morality police,” enforced strict segregation of the sexes in public spaces and monitored women’s attire. While al-Sharaa claimed the morality police would adopt a less intrusive approach, the past restrictions and the lack of female representation in leadership bred distrust. Despite the easing of some regulations, such as the lifting of the smoking ban, widespread protests against al-Sharaa continued in Idlib, with demonstrators denouncing him as a tyrant and demanding his resignation. While the release of political prisoners and promised tax relief temporarily quelled some dissent, the underlying unease persisted until the outbreak of the revolution in November.
The Syrian women interviewed in the aftermath of Assad’s fall voiced their anxieties about the future. Their primary concern was the preservation and expansion of their freedoms, including access to education, employment, and the freedom to choose their attire. Al-Sharaa’s assurances of inclusivity and respect for all Syrians resonated with some, but the lingering doubts fueled by the experiences in Idlib created a climate of uncertainty. A viral video clip further exacerbated these concerns. The video depicted a young woman seeking a selfie with al-Sharaa, granted only after she covered her hair. The woman’s subsequent social media posts, claiming the head covering was a one-time requirement specifically for the photo opportunity, did little to assuage the growing apprehension. The incident, coupled with the requirement for a female CNN reporter to cover her hair during an interview with al-Sharaa, became symbolic of the potential curtailment of women’s freedoms under the new regime.
The transition from Assad’s dictatorship to al-Sharaa’s leadership presented a complex and uncertain future for Syria, especially for its women. While the overthrow of Assad was widely celebrated, the legacy of oppression and the early signs of restrictive policies under HTS rule cast a long shadow. The reassurances from the new leader, coupled with symbolic gestures like the change in attire, were met with cautious optimism, tempered by the lived experiences of women in Idlib. The anxieties surrounding potential restrictions on freedoms, particularly regarding dress code and public life, remained a significant concern. The viral video incident and the CNN reporter’s experience amplified these concerns, highlighting the delicate balance between hope and apprehension in the nascent post-Assad era.
The future of Syria under al-Sharaa’s leadership remained precarious, fraught with both promise and peril. The jubilation of the initial revolution gave way to a more nuanced reality, marked by the realization that the fight for true freedom and equality was far from over. The women of Syria, while relieved at the departure of one oppressor, faced the daunting task of ensuring that their newly won freedoms would not be eroded under a new regime. Their vigilance, coupled with the continued scrutiny of international observers, would play a crucial role in shaping the destiny of Syria and the realization of the aspirations for a truly free and inclusive society. The transition period represented a critical juncture, where the promises of the new leadership would be tested against the realities on the ground, particularly in their treatment of women and minorities. The world watched with bated breath, hoping that the hard-won liberation would not pave the way for another form of oppression.
