The perception of being wanted in Syria has shifted from fear to honor. Individuals are now proud to inquire if they are listed as wanted by the former regime, viewing it as a reflection of defiance against oppression. Kazem Togan exemplified this shift upon returning to Syria, expressing pride in being recognized as wanted.
In Syria, the meaning of being listed as wanted has transformed significantly over the years. Under the previous Assad regime, individuals on these lists faced severe consequences, risking arrest and detention by various intelligence and military branches. Recently, however, this stigma has begun to shift, becoming a source of pride for many Syrians.
Kazem Togan, a journalist, recently inquired about his status upon returning to Syria after a 12-year absence. To his delight, he was informed that he was listed as wanted by the intelligence branch. He reflected, “Today, every Syrian asks as a matter of routine, ‘Was I wanted?’” This trend indicates that being targeted by the regime is now perceived as an acknowledgment of one’s resistance against tyranny.
For over five decades, the Assad family instilled fear through the systematic tracking of dissenters. Individuals who were “wanted” navigated a lifestyle filled with dread, as their names were part of pervasive security files. The modern realization of this past has sparked a cultural shift where individuals proudly claim their status as being wanted, celebrating it among peers and on social media as a testament to their defiance against a repressive regime.
The transformation of being wanted in Syria from fear to pride signifies a remarkable societal change. No longer viewed solely as a threat, the label has evolved into a badge of honor, reflecting individual courage and resistance against oppression. As Syrians reclaim their narratives, the acknowledgment of being wanted symbolizes solidarity and defiance against a historical regime that silenced dissent.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
