The Fall of Assad: Syrian Immigrants Reflect on Regime Change
Recent events in Syria have led to a significant shift in power as President Bashar al-Assad fled the country following an unexpected offensive by opposition groups. This marked the end of the Assad family’s five-decade rule, resulting in a regime change that saw the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) taking control.
Basel Alyasin, the vice president of the American Syrian Arab Cultural Association, expressed his initial shock at Assad’s departure, stating that he never expected the long-standing leader to leave so easily. However, Alyasin now sees this change as an opportunity for Syria to undergo a much-needed political and economic reconstruction.
Following Assad’s exit, Alyasin and other Syrian immigrants have been actively engaging in discussions about the future of their homeland. They are exploring ways to participate in rebuilding Syria, including considerations on amending the constitution while ensuring the protection of the rights of all Syrian citizens.
For Alyasin, this newfound freedom to openly discuss and plan for Syria’s future represents a significant shift from the fear and restrictions imposed by the Assad regime. He emphasized the importance of feeling a sense of humanity and the ability to express opinions without the fear of reprisal.
To hear more about Basel Alyasin’s insights, tune in to the full conversation with Adam Yahya Rayes on the Stateside podcast.
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Guests on Today’s Show:
- Basel Al-Yasin, Vice President of the American Syrian Arab Cultural Association
- Adam Yahya Rayes, Michigan Public’s Data Reporter and Member of the Amplify Team
