Hafez al-Assad, the father and Bashar al-Assad (top) and the ruins of Damascus
*And Requiem for Damascus
By Korede Abdullah
“A tyrant is the worst disease and cause of all others. Tyrants forgo respect for humanity in proportion as they are sunk beneath it.”
~William Blake
As the curtains of tyranny finally draw to a close, the once-mighty Bashar al-Assad stands as a testament to the transience of power and the unyielding spirit of a people yearning for freedom.
His reign, marked by the senseless slaughter of countless innocents, will soon be relegated to the annals of history, a cautionary tale of the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and brutality.
As reported by Reuters, “Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus unopposed on Sunday after a lightning advance that sent President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia after a 13-year civil war and six decades of his family’s autocratic rule.
In one of the biggest turning points for the Middle East in generations, “the fall of Assad’s government wiped out a bastion from which Iran and Russia exercised influence across the Arab world. Moscow gave him and his family asylum,” Russian state media said
The Syrian strongman’s grip on power, once thought impenetrable, has slowly begun to slip, as the collective cry for justice and accountability grows louder with each passing day.
As the dust settles on the ruins of Assad’s regime, the world will be reminded that even the most entrenched despots are not invincible. The Syrian people, having endured unimaginable suffering and hardship, will emerge from the shadows, their resilience and determination inspiring a new era of peace, prosperity, and freedom.
The Assad dynasty has left an indelible mark on Syria’s tumultuous history. Hafez al-Assad, the patriarch of this powerful clan, held the reins of power for nearly three decades, his iron-fisted rule spanning 29 years, from 1971 until his demise in 2000.
As the curtain drew to a close on his infamous career, the baton was seamlessly passed to his son, Bashar, who continued to toy with the destiny of Syria. This poignant transfer of power marked the beginning of a new era, one that would be defined by Bashar’s brand of leadership, a unique blend of his father’s authoritarianism and his vision for a modern Syria.
And as for Assad, his name will become synonymous with the darkest chapters of human history, a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked power and the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions.
*And Requiem for Damascus
Damascus, the ancient capital of Syria, was once renowned as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cities in the world. This historic metropolis, revered by both Muslims and Christians as a sacred land, boasted an array of stunning architectural treasures, many of which were proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
From the majestic Umayyad Mosque to the vibrant Souks, Damascus was a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. However, the devastating war unleashed by Bashar al-Assad has left this once-majestic city in ruins. The scars of conflict have ravaged the very fabric of Damascus, leaving its historic landmarks and cultural treasures in a state of disrepair.
Yet, even amidst the rubble, a glimmer of hope remains. Will Damascus one day be restored to its former glory, its beauty and splendour revived for generations to come? Only time will tell, but for now, with the ousting of the long-term al-Assad’s political dynasty, the world holds its breath, yearning for the day when peace and prosperity will once again reign supreme in this beloved city.
*Korede Abdullah, writer, lawyer and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos