Sayida Zaynab’s transformation reflects the complex sectarian tensions in Syria as new Sunni militias aim to protect the Shia community. Despite hopeful leaders expressing a desire for unity, fears of retaliation from the old regime persist among minority communities. In Douma, returning revolutionaries confront mistrust from locals who remained during the civil war, highlighting ongoing struggles with safety and resource scarcity in the aftermath of conflict. The fragile coexistence suggests both challenges and critical opportunities for building a new societal framework.
In Sayida Zaynab, the Shia shrine near Damascus, the new head of security, Abu Omar, exemplifies a complex interplay of hope and fear. The shrine, previously a haven for pilgrims, has transformed into a stronghold for Sunni gunmen aiming to protect the Shia community from remnants of the Assad regime. Despite some showing willingness to coexist, deep-rooted tensions linger among various sectarian groups within Syria, presenting a fragile landscape for any potential reconciliation.
Abu Omar expressed pride in his protective role, emphasizing safety from both the regime’s remnants and threats to the local Shia minority. His deputy, Abu Mariam, echoed a sense of duty over revenge, wishing for a unified state. However, old guard supporters, particularly among minority communities, fear the potential for retribution, feeling unsafe amidst shifting power dynamics that now favor new Sunni-led factions.
Deeb Krayem, a young Shia manager at the shrine, conveyed mixed feelings about the new regime, caught between optimism and fear of targeted attacks. He highlighted the atmosphere of distrust, which stems from past violence, leaving many, including those mourning for fallen relatives from the regime, feeling stranded without a future while negotiating their safety.
In Douma, formerly an anti-Assad bastion, returning revolutionaries find renewed tensions with those who stayed under Assad’s regime. The area, heavily damaged and under-resourced, has seen an influx of returnees, heightening competition for limited housing and resources. Leaders like Abu Hashem Abdelrahman Taha manage expectations, with the local militia trying to control crime and make residents feel secure amidst the continuing unease.
Among returnees, stories of poor infrastructure and economic struggles highlight the harsh reality of life post-conflict. Individuals like Imad Abdulrazak Khabie, who prefer poverty in Douma over comfortable living in the north, contrast sharply with ongoing fears from locals of being labeled as supporters of the old regime. Community leaders face scrutiny not just from new arrivals but also from local elements seeking balance in a transformed socio-political landscape.
Despite the churning mistrust, there remains an underlying sentiment of resilience among Syrians, especially in Douma, raising the hope for gradual coexistence. The fall of Assad’s regime has ended the most egregious threat to civilian lives, suggesting a fragile foundation upon which a more secure future could be built.
The situation in Syria, particularly around the Sayida Zaynab shrine and in Douma, illustrates the complicated dynamics of post-Assad society. While some express hope for unity and rebuilding under new leadership, deep-seated fears and sectarian tension persist. Community leaders and returnees face challenges balancing safety and cooperation, indicating that despite the fall of Assad’s regime, substantial hurdles remain in achieving lasting peace and stability. The emergence of Sunni militias highlights shifts in power dynamics, which could further complicate the reconciliation process and reinforce existing divisions.
Original Source: tcf.org
