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Syrians living in the UK have expressed mixed emotions following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad. Issam Kourbaj, an artist who has lived in the UK for over 30-years, said he was relieved, yet cautious because of the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Others echoed Kourbaj’s sentiments and said while they were happy, they are still fearful of what the future holds. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has said there is already some evidence of Syrians returning to their home country.
Mazen Haseno, who helped organize a demonstration in Belfast, said many Syrians are “over the moon” and added it was like a “warm feeling inside.” Haseno, who himself was imprisoned and tortured by the regime for two-and-a-half years, said many Syrians had been traumatized by Assad and hoped a democratic country would emerge. Syrians in the UK gathered in cities such as London, Belfast, and Manchester to celebrate the independence, albeit with caution knowing the challenges that lie ahead.
Rama Terkmani, who is studying medicine in the UK, said she was “feeling really good” about the news. She feels that although the fall of the regime is indeed a positive step, more work needs to be done. She said she would love to go back to Syria as soon as possible, but there are many unclear questions that need to be answered before doing so. Dr. Rim Turkmani, director of the Syria Conflict Research Programme at the London School of Economics and a Syrian National, who hasn’t seen her family in Syria in 14 years, said the fall of Assad was an “unbelievable moment,” but the future is unclear. Turkmani also said there will be obstacles ahead.
Many are cheering the fall of the regime, but it could be bittersweet. While it’s a positive turning point, many are fearful of the unknown. It remains to be seen how quickly Syrians abroad will return to their homeland, and what type of regime and country may emerge after years of conflict. Syrians who have spent decades in the UK, such as Kourbaj, may need to navigate new waters if they decide to return. Meanwhile, Haseno said Syrians have “seen what life is like when you have dictators” and hoped the country could move forward democratically
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