Middle East Politics

[Nogbadthebad]

No sympathy for assad from me, but this is the guy everyone is celebrating becoming the de facto leader of the country.

There were no good options for your average syrian, and there still aren't.

 

[VorZakone]

When you're a dictator you don't really have much choice other than to be an autocrat, because any sign of weakness could result in a coup and there are rarely ever any scenarios where dictators survive the overthrow of their own regimes without having to flee to other countries. So the general incentive is to remain a dictator and consolidate power for as long as possible so one can die of old age. We're seeing this play out now in Russia as well.

Once you're a dictator I can understand those dynamics. But why the desire to become one, knowing that it's such a dangerous life?

 

[NYAS]

I'll never understand the dictator mentality. How many historical examples of exile, death or prison do they need to see to realize that it's a futile life. Where's the joy in being paranoid everyday about a coup or people uprising? What do they get out of such a life?

Is the luxury worth all the fear and paranoia and potential consequences?

Many ‘dictators’ past and present have provided a prosperous lifestyle for the majority of their citizens (probably better than an alternative democracy would), enjoy overwhelming support and are mourned when they pass.

But if you’re a dictator and you neglect your population, enriching yourself at their expense, you’re doomed.

 

[Raoul]

Once you're a dictator I can understand those dynamics. But why the desire to become one, knowing that it's such a dangerous life?

That will depend on the individual. In Assad's case he inherited a 30 year dictatorship from his old man. In Putin's case, he could've technically attempted to go Democratic in the beginning if he were so inclined, but we were dealing with a KGB Colonel who believed the collapse of the Soviet Empire was a "genuine tragedy", and if you know anything about the culture and tactics of the KGB, its all about control and corruption. So in the case of Russia, it was always destined to spiral into a vertical of power autocracy. Obviously the likes of Lukashenko, Khamenai, Qaddafi, Ceausesu, Castro and others each either inherited their autocracies or overthrew someone to get there. Once you're down that far into the rabbithole, there's no coming back.

 

[2cents]

Once you're a dictator I can understand those dynamics. But why the desire to become one, knowing that it's such a dangerous life?

It’s something that baffles me a bit as well, I just can’t relate.

In the case of Bashar however, his father never intended for him to assume the role initially. The older brother Basil was groomed to rule but died in a motor accident in 1994, after which Bashar was next in line. But there have always been murmurings that he wasn’t quite fit for the job, and that he was more of a figurehead than a strongman in the mold of his father. And likewise that his younger brother Maher and others associated with Hafiz continued to provide the muscle of the regime.

 

[That_Bloke]

Once you're a dictator I can understand those dynamics. But why the desire to become one, knowing that it's such a dangerous life?

Bashar never aspired to.

His older, "flashy" brother was meant to rule but died in an accident in 1994. From there on, it was a downward spiral for someone who never had shoulders broad enough to assume any kind of "leadership" nor the courage to refuse it.

Bashar ultimately was a weak-minded, spineless coward.

 

[nimic]

No sympathy for assad from me, but this is the guy everyone is celebrating becoming the de facto leader of the country.

There were no good options for your average syrian, and there still aren't.

They say that, but they clearly aren't committed. If they wanted that guy dead, he'd be dronestriked in about two seconds. The US is saying something, but they want something else.

 

[2cents]

Al-Julani speaking in the Umayyad Mosque today:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024...ves-in-syrias-capital-delivers-victory-speech

 

[That_Bloke]

They say that, but they clearly aren't committed. If they wanted that guy dead, he'd be dronestriked in about two seconds. The US is saying something, but they want something else.

He's a useful idiot who will be drone struck/shot when the time comes.

 

[VorZakone]

It’s something that baffles me a bit as well, I just can’t relate.

In the case of Bashar however, his father never intended for him to assume the role initially. The older brother Basil was groomed to rule but died in a motor accident in 1994, after which Bashar was next in line. But there have always been murmurings that he wasn’t quite fit for the job, and that he was more of a figurehead than a strongman in the mold of his father. And likewise that his younger brother Maher and others associated with Hafiz continued to provide the muscle of the regime.

Could Bashar not have refused?

 

[2cents]

Could Bashar not have refused?

I’m not sure if individualism and freedom of choice were values respected in the Assad household.

 

[Adisa]

Seen this movie before.

 

[2mufc0]

I wonder if Maher went with them, and if not where he is right now?

Apparently hasn't been see for a while, rumours are he was killed by an Israeli drone strike.

 

[T00lsh3d]

I’m not sure if individualism and freedom of choice were values respected in the al-Assad household.

 

[VorZakone]

 

[VorZakone]

 

[nimic]

That's incredible

 

[Morty_]

Russia appears to be at its weakest point since the early 90s, if there is a time to break with Moscow, now appears to be the time.

Would Russia afford any real response to say, Georgia breaking away? If the protests don't stop, and the situation becomes untenable for the regime there.

 

[That_Bloke]

Russia appears to be at its weakest point since the early 90s, if there is a time to break with Moscow, now appears to be the time.

Would Russia afford any real response to say, Georgia breaking away? If the protests don't stop, and the situation becomes untenable for the regime there.

It's not.

If you ever witnessed the literal shitshow Russia was after the USSR implosion, you'd know.

 

[Morty_]

It's not.

If you ever witnessed the shitshow Russia was after the USSR implosion was, you'd know.

I did not mean in it in the sense, fall of USSR was worse, but this is the weakest they have been since then, their lowest point between/after that time and now.

 

[That_Bloke]

I did not mean in it in the sense, but this is the weakest they have been since then, their lowest point between/after that time and now.

It took a significant blow which will force them to rethink their Middle-East strategy and it's not clear, yet, what will become of their military bases in Syria. But it is still leading the dance in Ukraine, for now.

Iran is the country that must be sweating right now, because it's next on the menu.

 

[syrian_scholes]

2011-2024 is over, I hope beyond hope that Syria can maintain going forward. @United_We_Stand @syrian_scholes

Same, it's time for Syrian's to savour the moment, who would have thought things would turn like this.

Watching those prisoners being released and returning to their families is really heart warming.

Congratulations @syrian_scholes, still an uncertain moment in regards to the future, but a time to enjoy this historical moment.

I'm in total disbelief till now, every few hours I think maybe he can get control over us again somehow. But no he is gone.

I cried tears of joy and at the same time I'm worried for my parents who are still in Damascus. I want to celebrate this in Syria and with my friends. I want the rebels to control the situation there and start controling all this mess happening in Damascus. Of course Bashar at his last moments left us in a complete mess of a state and that was to be expected. I hope Syria can rise from this to become the beautiful country I knew and love.

 

[ManUtd1999]

I did not mean in it in the sense, fall of USSR was worse, but this is the weakest they have been since then, their lowest point between/after that time and now.

Yes. But what if Trump forces Ukraine to give up on territory to end the war? That would make Putin look good, not to mention inviting the next Russian campaign against Ukraine or any other neighboring country.

 

[Raoul]

Yes. But what if Trump forces Ukraine to give up on territory to end the war? That would make Putin look good, not to mention inviting the next Russian campaign against Ukraine or any other neighboring country.

He can’t force Ukraine to do anything. The weapons and money they were sent has already been appropriated by Biden and Congress. That’s before we even get to the hundreds of billions in frozen Russian assets the EU have under their purview.

 

[ManUtd1999]

He can’t force Ukraine to do anything. The weapons and money they were sent has already been appropriated by Biden and Congress. That’s before we even get to the hundreds of billions in frozen Russian assets the EU have under their purview.

Yes, but for how long? At some point Republicans will have the House, Senate and White House.

 

[Raoul]

Yes, but for how long? At some point Republicans will have the House, Senate and White House.

They don’t control the EU, which is where the frozen Russian assets are.

 

[Sky1981]

I'll never understand the dictator mentality. How many historical examples of exile, death or prison do they need to see to realize that it's a futile life. Where's the joy in being paranoid everyday about a coup or people uprising? What do they get out of such a life?

Is the luxury worth all the fear and paranoia and potential consequences?

Most of them are riding the tigers. They cant stop or the tiger will eat them.

It's dog eat dog situation in there. They made so many enemies on their rise to the top they can't simply give up and live peacefully.

 

[Sky1981]

Once you're a dictator I can understand those dynamics. But why the desire to become one, knowing that it's such a dangerous life?

Traumatic life, we dont live in their shoes. All roads paved with well intentions until they live long enough to become the villain.

One man's freedom fighter is the oppressor if given the chance. Whoever won the coup will not be angels themselves and the cycle continues

 

[Morty_]

I'm in total disbelief till now, every few hours I think maybe he can get control over us again somehow. But no he is gone.

I cried tears of joy and at the same time I'm worried for my parents who are still in Damascus. I want to celebrate this in Syria and with my friends. I want the rebels to control the situation there and start controling all this mess happening in Damascus. Of course Bashar at his last moments left us in a complete mess of a state and that was to be expected. I hope Syria can rise from this to become the beautiful country I knew and love.

I hope it works out for your parents, that the chaos dies down, and the most extreme elements don't gain too much power.

If i may ask, how was life for them under the Assad regime? I don't know much about daily life there, the little i know about the Assad regime is from reading about their crimes, horrible to say the least.

 

[AfonsoAlves]

Redditor Alawi's posting the same thing as my two contacts did:

To start off, I never experienced anything sectarian in Syria.

But if someone could explain to me the perception towards Alawites from the perspective of other sects, I’d appreciate it.

I grew up in a home where the word “sect” was never uttered. I was born and raised in the heart of Damascus' traditions. Half my family is from Damascus, and the other half is from the coastal region. I never even heard the phrase “What’s your sect?” until I visited Lebanon as a tourist. Even then, it wasn’t really a big deal worth mentioning.

Most of us Alawites didn’t want a corrupt regime, nor a regime that slaughters its own people—this is indisputable and not even open for debate.

All the forces currently in power are sectarian, and of course, we’re not naive. Even if those around us were kind to us, it’s impossible for me to ignore the hatred that could be directed toward my sect while leaving my family in Damascus unprotected.

Yesterday at 3 a.m., we decided to head to the coast. Lots of traffic as the coastal residents were fleeing, but the problem wasn’t there.

I swear to God, I saw it with my own eyes, and of course, I didn’t take photos because I’m not reckless enough to risk getting shot. Alawites in cars were being stopped at checkpoints, and a number of them were being stripped of their vehicles without any reason. I was one of those people. We were thrown onto the street, just as we were—my wife, my kids, and I. They took our car and left us walking on foot.

Fine, whatever. God will forgive them later. We walked for several hours until we managed to find another car to take us towards the coast. That’s when the real horror began. At checkpoints closer to the coast, some people were forced out of their cars in front of their children, and whipped with objects.

We also heard gunfire, but I didn’t see it with my own eyes, so I can’t confirm if anyone was actually shot.

But my question remains: Why has sectarianism suddenly turned against Alawites? Is this the general perception of the people as a whole, or is it just towards those who are now in power?

forgive the loose translation, as this was originally written in arabic and i cant keep my thought or my head together.

 

[Ahmer Baig]

According to Sky News Israel is ready to take over buffer zone in Golan Heights.

 

[Raoul]

According to Sky News Israel is ready to take over buffer zone in Golan Heights.

They've already taken it over according to Netanyahu.

 

[Twisted_Woody]

What of the Christians in Syria?

 

[Kaos]

According to Sky News Israel is ready to take over buffer zone in Golan Heights.

Of course they are, the thieving cnuts.

 

[syrian_scholes]

I hope it works out for your parents, that the chaos dies down, and the most extreme elements don't gain too much power.

If i may ask, how was life for them under the Assad regime? I don't know much about daily life there, the little i know about the Assad regime is from reading about their crimes, horrible to say the least.

I lived there till 2018 and it got much much worse since.

Those who appreciated stability are the very rich and people who were directly benefitting from Assad's regime. Beside the war, the economy is completely dead. I'm amazed at people who managed to live month to month on wages of around $10 a month or less.

Since the day I was born there was no freedom of expression, even as someone who went to protests against the regime inside Syria I was forced into voting for Assad by his militia. Most families have lost people to those prisons you now see, either leaving with trauma we can't even comprehend or dead.

The army presence inside the city made us suffocate, the way they treat us is less than dirt. There's a lot to say and seeing is different than hearing. There are no words to describe how Syria was. It was most evident to me was when I last visited in 2022 after living in the US. I saw the true misery in people's eyes.

The fear they so forcefully built in us has stayed with me even till yesterday. It was the first time I buy the rebellion flag because even in the US I worried the regime might somehow know and detain my parents.

I have so many stories to tell of Assad's Syria, and admittedly, as the only son of two doctors I had it better than 99% of people there, I will try to say more later on.

 

[Ahmer Baig]

They've already taken it over according to Netanyahu.

Why am I not surprised.

 

[syrian_scholes]

What of the Christians in Syria?

The regime made their sect, the Alawities, his defence force. I truly feel bad for them because most of them are innocent. Christians and Muslims in Syria always had a good relationship

I know this is a very long video but I think it says a lot about what the brutal regime was. I think if you interested to know how the regime fed the hate between the two sects(alawities and sunnah) you can skip to around 17 mins mark.

 

[Wibble]

I lived there till 2018 and it got much much worse since.

Those who appreciated stability are the very rich and people who were directly benefitting from Assad's regime. Beside the war, the economy is completely dead. I'm amazed at people who managed to live month to month on wages of around $10 a month or less.

Since the day I was born there was no freedom of expression, even as someone who went to protests against the regime inside Syria I was forced into voting for Assad by his militia. Most families have lost people to those prisons you now see, either leaving with trauma we can't even comprehend or dead.

The army presence inside the city made us suffocate, the way they treat us is less than dirt. There's a lot to say and seeing is different than hearing. There are no words to describe how Syria was. It was most evident to me was when I last visited in 2022 after living in the US. I saw the true misery in people's eyes.

The fear they so forcefully built in us has stayed with me even till yesterday. It was the first time I buy the rebellion flag because even in the US I worried the regime might somehow know and detain my parents.

I have so many stories to tell of Assad's Syria, and admittedly, as the only son of two doctors I had it better than 99% of people there, I will try to say more later on.

Assad was a monster and lets hope what replaces him is much better.

 

[Twisted_Woody]

The regime made their sect, the Alawities, his defence force. I truly feel bad for them because most of them are innocent. Christians and Muslims in Syria always had a good relationship

I know this is a very long video but I think it says a lot about what the brutal regime was. I think if you interested to know how the regime fed the hate between the two sects(alawities and sunnah) you can skip to around 17 mins mark.

Thanks for sharing. Weaponized propaganda. Unreal we haven't been able to counter it in any meaningful way, infact in North America we are falling victim to it.

 

[That_Bloke]

Here's an account of the torture people experienced in Assad's prisons.