By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), destroyed the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad’s father, in Qardaha. This followed a rapid rebel offensive that ousted the Assad regime, with Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia. The fall of the Assad regime has prompted international reactions, including blame from Iran and Israeli air strikes targeting Syrian military assets. Meanwhile, Damascus is showing signs of life returning to normal, although many citizens still grapple with the aftermath of the conflict.
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The burning of Hafez al-Assad’s tomb, the father of the ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, represents a dramatic act in the ongoing Syrian conflict. Videos verified by the BBC depict armed men, chanting and circling the burning mausoleum in Qardaha, the Assad family’s hometown. This symbolic destruction speaks volumes about the depth of resentment felt by some Syrians towards the Assad regime.
The rebels involved, primarily members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), succeeded in a swift offensive that ended the Assad dynasty’s 54-year rule. With Bashar al-Assad having fled to Russia, this act of burning the tomb feels like a final punctuation mark on a long chapter of Syrian history. The toppling of statues and posters of both Hafez and Bashar across the country underscores the widespread rejection of the regime and its symbols.
Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist from 1971 until his death in 2000, is remembered by many as a ruthless dictator. His long reign, characterized by oppression and brutality, culminated in the devastating civil war triggered by Bashar’s violent suppression of pro-democracy protests in 2011. This war claimed over half a million lives and forced millions more from their homes. The act of destroying his tomb is thus viewed by some as a form of long-overdue retribution.
The destruction of the tomb raises complex questions about the nature of rebellion and the future of Syria. Some argue that the term “rebel” is no longer accurate given the rebels’ seizure of power and establishment of a new government. The group’s actions, however, also suggest parallels with the removal of Soviet-era symbols in Eastern Europe, where the destruction of monuments was seen as a necessary step in breaking with a repressive past. This perspective posits the act as a justifiable response to decades of suffering under the Assad regime.
However, the celebratory tone of those involved contrasts sharply with the concerns of the Alawite minority, who were largely staunch supporters of the Assad regime. This minority group, comprising roughly 10% of the Syrian population and centered in Latakia province, fears reprisals from the now victorious rebels. The reported meeting between rebel representatives and Qardaha elders, and the subsequent signing of a document emphasizing religious and cultural diversity, aims to alleviate these fears, though the long-term effects remain to be seen.
The establishment of a transitional government under Mohammed al-Bashir further complicates the situation. While the UN and the US have called for an inclusive and credible process, the composition of this new government and its long-term commitment to tolerance and minority rights remains uncertain. This uncertainty, combined with the HTS’s past association with extremist groups, raises concerns about the nature of the emerging power structure.
The irony of the situation is not lost on many observers. The Assad regime’s past slogan, “Assad or we burn the country,” now seems tragically echoed in the rebels’ actions, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence and the potential for unintended consequences. This points to a complex reality where the overthrow of one oppressive regime doesn’t automatically guarantee a more just or stable future.
The events in Syria underscore the difficulties of transition in post-conflict situations. The burning of Hafez al-Assad’s tomb acts as both a symbol of liberation for some and a harbinger of fear for others. The future of Syria remains uncertain, with questions about lasting peace and stability, human rights, and the role of various factions remaining largely unanswered. The international community’s response will be crucial in shaping Syria’s trajectory, ensuring a just and inclusive future for all its people.