Juliette, a Christian woman in Syria, shares her reflections and perspective on a new era in her country. After nearly 54 years of rule by the Assad family, first under Hafez al-Assad and later continued by his son, Bashar al-Assad, a new era has emerged in Syria.
You will be able to read regular updates from Juliette to her global church family. To me, Syria feels like a newborn, tentatively finding its way and interacting with a diverse array of individuals. Much more fuel is available on the streets and at fuel stations. However, a pressing challenge remains as many people struggle to afford heating fuel or cooking gas. Previously, the government provided subsidised gas to families through a smart card system, ensuring they only paid a fraction of the actual cost, and the interim government could not provide this due to the deficit caused by the regime fall.
Similarly, access to imported medicines has improved, but the problem remains that there is lack of cash due to low family income and imported medicines are more expensive β all that presents a new hardship.
The transitional period has disrupted everything, and that is hitting people hard. Notably, when I walk around the Syrian streets, the visual landscape has transformed β there are no longer images of the Assad family or military checkpoints, both of which were once ubiquitous. I truly believe the end of the Assad-led government is a pivotal moment for Syria, potentially offering a new and more hopeful chapter for the Syrian people.
The streets reverberated with surreal scenes of jubilation, marking the end of an era characterised by fear and oppression. There were heartening tales of individuals reunited with their loved ones after enduring prolonged imprisonment. I saw a profound sense of hope; it is extraordinary to see this level of joy, hope and euphoria. A lot of local associations and youth groups launched initiatives for communal support.
