Syria: Youth leaders share thoughts on the current security situation

The following is written by youth leaders in Syria, who wish to remain anonymous for security reasons. 

Background: Syria has recently undergone a historic transition with the fall of the Assad regime, a dictatorship that ruled the country for decades, silencing dissent, detaining and torturing opposition figures, and creating an environment of fear and oppression. This momentous shift has brought both hope and uncertainty to the Syrian people, who are now navigating a complex and fragile new reality. The regime’s collapse has opened the door to a potential democratic future, but it has also raised concerns about the direction of the country under its new leadership.

Syria is a nation of remarkable diversity, home to a rich tapestry of religious, cultural, and social groups, including Muslims, Christians, Alawites, Ismaelies, Druze, and Kurds, among others. For much of its history, this diversity was a source of strength and unity. However, under the Assad regime, sectarian divisions were exacerbated as the government promoted divisive ideologies and sowed distrust among communities. This legacy of division has left deep scars, and many Syrians are now working to rebuild a sense of shared identity and mutual respect.

The transitional government, led by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly known as Al-Nusra Front and designated as a terrorist organization by much of the international community, has promised a new era of democracy and inclusivity. They have pledged to hold democratic elections soon and ensure that all segments of Syrian society, including religious and ethnic minorities, will have a voice in shaping the country’s future. However, these promises have been met with skepticism, particularly by minority communities who feel increasingly vulnerable under the new leadership.

Despite assurances of protection, 96% of minority group members we communicated with—including Christians, Alawites, Druze, and Ismailis—reported feeling unsafe. Many pointed to past atrocities committed against them by HTS, such as the Adra, Zara’a, Latakia, Maaloula, Sadad, and the Qalb Loze massacres, as evidence of the dangers they face. These communities fear that the new government, dominated by extremists, may not prioritize their safety or rights. Reports of kidnappings, harassment, and killings targeting minorities have fueled these concerns, even as HTS condemns such acts as “individual cases.”

The transitional government’s actions have also raised alarms among liberals, feminists, and secularists. Changes to the school curriculum, ostensibly aimed at removing remnants of the Assad regime, have instead introduced content that promotes hatred against Christians and Jews, removes references to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, and erases historical figures like Queen Zenobia, who symbolized the strength and empowerment of Syrian women. Additionally, the government has been accused of altering history books to omit references to atrocities such as the Georgian and Greek genocides committed by the Ottoman Empire. These actions have led many to question the government’s commitment to pluralism and equality.

Women’s rights advocates have also expressed concern over the new leadership’s rhetoric, which suggests that women are “biologically incapable” of holding political office. This regressive stance has sparked fears that the gains made by Syrian women in recent decades could be rolled back under the new regime. While the majority of Syria’s Muslim population supports the government’s policies and the possibility of establishing an Islamic state, there is also a significant demand for a secular, democratic Syria where all citizens can participate equally, free from discrimination.

Amidst these challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism among many Syrians. They are determined to rebuild their country and create a future where diversity is celebrated, and all communities can thrive. AMP Global Youth has collaborated with Syrian youth to amplify their voices and shed light on the realities of life in Syria today. These efforts highlight the resilience and hope of a generation committed to overcoming the divisions of the past and forging a brighter, more inclusive future.

The road ahead for Syria is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with potential. The fall of the Assad regime marks a turning point, and the Syrian people are now grappling with the complexities of transition. While the new government’s promises of democracy and inclusivity offer hope, its actions and policies will ultimately determine whether Syria can move toward a future defined by unity, equality, and respect for all its citizens.

The authors of this post are youth in Syria, and they spoke to over 500 peers about the situation. Here’s what they shared:

Q1: What would you like youth from outside Syria to know about the current situation?

“Now, there’s a huge transformation happening—a transformation we don’t know much about yet. However, it allows us, for once, to dream of a future where our country is safe and peaceful after years of war and injustice. We, the youth in Syria, could actually be appreciated and given fair chances. Change is always frightening, but we cling to the hope that it’s for the best. Those who can’t sacrifice anything can’t change anything, and we are willing to sacrifice everything so Syria can be glorious once again.”

“The reality on the ground is starkly different from what’s being portrayed. Syria is gradually transforming into an Islamic state, with HTS leading the charge. Extremists are being allowed to harass Christians and Alawites with impunity. In areas like Tartus, Homs, and Latakia, non-Muslims are being forcibly evicted from their homes, which are then seized by militants. Afghani and Shishani individuals roam the streets armed, demanding Christian women wear the niqab and banning them from using perfume, makeup, or even shaving. As a young Christian woman, I was threatened to convert to their extremist sect or face death.

People are disappearing, and local bodies are being found abandoned. Despite reaching out to government hotlines, there has been no response. The perpetrators openly declare that they now rule and that Syria will become an Islamic state, whether we like it or not. They are Islamifying every aspect of life—even water bottles now come with instructions on how to drink “the Islamic way.” We are horrified and can no longer endure this. Please share our voice—we are desperate for the world to know what is happening here.CSearch: SYRDOC on Telegram to see for yourself.”

“The Syrian people have endured hell over the past 14 years under the previous regime. Now that this is over, millions of Syrians are happy for the first time in a long while.”

“The country is currently in a state of chaos and instability. Transitioning from decades of authoritarian rule is an incredibly complex process that requires time and careful management. The new government is working to stabilize the situation as much as possible, but the absence of strong institutions and the rule of law has created a vacuum. This has allowed some militias and corrupt individuals to exploit the situation for personal gain or to settle old scores.”

“The political situation is equally unclear to the ٍSyrian people themselves, primarily due to the absence of clear and explicit communication. As the country navigates a transitional phase, chaos prevails. This turmoil can be attributed to the lingering impact of the previous regime and the limited capabilities of interim officials, who face the immense challenge of rebuilding a nation with little experience in governance. They are tasked with the daunting responsibility of reshaping a country from its ashes into a functioning state.”

“HTS forces are systematically targeting the Alawite community, kidnapping and imprisoning individuals—even those who had no ties to the previous regime’s military. Our villages are being brutally raided, and we are witnessing the murder of loved ones solely because of their faith. We are innocent civilians, unaffiliated with the past regime and never involved in harm, yet we face relentless harassment and violence.

HTS has deployed its most extremist platoons to Alawite areas, permitting them to kill and publicly humiliate anyone in their path. Even neighbors who resolved their status with HTS after mandatory military service under the regime have been kidnapped and tortured. My wife’s family in Homs was killed by HTS, and we can no longer endure this brutality. Their claims of protection are lies—they remain the same bloodthirsty extremists they have always been.

Please send us your prayers and help amplify our voices to the international community. We desperately need justice and support.”

“ The transitional government is failing to uphold its promises. Alongside a group of youth activists, politicians, thinkers, journalists, and writers, we were denied the right to establish the Civic Democratic Party, a movement that aimed to unite Syria and its people under a civic state grounded in the rule of law. Our group included representatives from all sects and regions across Syria’s governorates, reflecting the country’s diversity and shared commitment to unity. However, we were not only barred from forming the party but also informed that we could no longer hold meetings.”

Q2: What do you think are the biggest misconceptions in international media about the situation in Syria?

“The media always projects Syria to look like some empty desert full of destroyed buildings and refugee camps, but that’s not the whole story. The truth is, Syria is stunning—it’s got everything from ancient historic sites and peaceful lakes to gorgeous mountains, golden beaches, and lush green landscapes. Yeah, the war messed up a lot, but Syrians are determined to rebuild and bring back the beauty of their country. We’re not giving up on it.” 

“There are many reports about sectarian biases that spread fear among the people. However, both the Syrian people and the transitional government insist that Syria belongs to all Syrians, and any form of discrimination based on religious sect is completely unacceptable.” 

“As a Muslim, I believe the recent actions of extremist groups against Christians and other sects are distorting the true image of Islam. Our religion teaches us to respect others and never harm anyone. While a small minority of extremists may support what HTS and other fundamentalist groups are doing, the vast majority of us reject these actions and stand firmly for the rights and dignity of all people. We believe in the unity and freedom of Syria for every Syrian, regardless of their background—this is what our faith truly calls for. These extremist actions do not represent Islam or the values we hold dear. Our hearts are with all those hurting.” 

“Arab and international media frequently use provocative language that incites sectarianism. This rhetoric risks deepening divisions and could potentially ignite another civil war.”

“There’s a false narrative that all Christians are safe under the new administration. Many of us are not. Our holy places are constantly getting attacked and destroyed, our families are being kidnapped, and the new government enforces a massive media blackout. Disappearances within our community are dismissed as “individual cases,” but the truth is that the government secretly supports these actions. Please, search for: Maaloula WCA”

“Although HTS officials claim they are protecting minorities. THEY ARE NOT. Members of HTS are currently committing horrific atrocities against Shia minority in the Kafr Abd village in the countryside of Homs. Militia forces whom were sent to protect us broke into our home, raped me and my younger sister, and violently assaulted my parents until they lost consciousness. They then forcibly expelled us from the house we inherited from our grandparents, refusing to let us take even our clothes. We attempted to reach out to the leadership in Damascus for help, but they did nothing. As we were being driven out, I witnessed my 60-year-old neighbor being brutally beheaded. One of the soldiers told us, and I quote, “This area is now for Sunnis. Go away, you infidels.”

I don’t know how I will continue living with these memories. The trauma of what happened to my family, my neighbors, and my community is unbearable. This is not just my story—it is the story of countless others who are suffering in silence. The world must know what is happening here as HTS are carrying out a massive media blackout.”

Q3: How has the crisis in Syria affected you – both during the Assad regime and now. And what was your response as a young person?

“ The crisis in Syria deprived us of countless opportunities. I realized that staying here, with so few chances, posed a huge risk to my future as someone with big dreams. In response, I decided to work tirelessly so I could eventually travel abroad, seize the opportunities I deserve, and return as someone capable of making a positive impact on my country. Despite everything, I have loved this country with all my heart, and it’s difficult to imagine a future away from it.”

“ The crisis has negatively impacted all my future plans and buried many of my ambitions. Yet, I found hope in education. I never stopped learning and expanding my knowledge, believing that one day I could help rebuild my country.”

“ The crisis affected me deeply—psychologically and financially. I’ve experienced depression. Yet, I never gave up. I continued working and doing my best to support my family and contribute to my country’s future despite the limited resources.”

“ I was displaced from my home in Aleppo in 2011 and moved to live in Masyaf, where I remain to this day. Even here, in this village, Alawites continue to face attacks simply because of their sect. People invade their homes, desecrate sacred landmarks, and kill their families. Every time someone dies, they leave with nothing but their bag. There is no law to hold the perpetrators accountable. Additionally, agriculture and industry in Syria have come to a standstill, and people are dying of hunger.

As a young person, my mission was always to promote unity among all Syrians through volunteering with different organizations supporting children.”

Q4: What are your visions and hopes for the future of Syria?

“ To achieve the democratic secular Syria we’ve long fought for”

“ That Syria remains a united nation, embracing all its diversity, and does not become fragmented into smaller federations or independent states.”

“ A democratic government that ensures all minorities are granted their full rights in every aspect of life.”

“ That sectarianism, killings, slaughter, and brutality come to an end. I hope to see everyone join hands and truly rebuild Syria—not just with empty words, but with real actions.”

“ To achieve the goals of the Syrian feminist movement and secure equal rights for women. We will continue working tirelessly and will never stop.”

Q5: What message would you like to share with other young people around the world?

“ We love you, we want to collaborate with you for a better tomorrow”

“ Syria is beautiful, with its rich culture, diversity, and breathtaking landscapes. Many Syrians have proven they can overcome incredible challenges and achieve greatness under the toughest circumstances. Syria and its people deserve love, respect, and, most importantly, peace.”

“ Never lose your sense of humanity. To prevent a scenario like the one we’ve endured in Syria, always hold onto your humanity. Embrace and love your fellow human, along with their differences no matter what they are.”

“ Our diversity is our strength. Never judge others or fall victim to propaganda that promotes hate and division. This kind of rhetoric is often fueled by war criminals to serve their agendas. #HUMANINTY_UNITES_US”

“It’s our time—the new generation—to shape a brighter future. Let’s work together, all of us, to create a better world for everyone.”