For 20-year-old Mohamad Yamen, December 8, 2024, was a day of liberation and jubilation. As news spread that rebel forces had taken over Aleppo, Hama, and Homs from the Assad regime, he joined thousands in the streets of Damascus to celebrate. The city's residents were finally free from years of oppression, with many fearing for their lives under the regime's brutal rule.
Yamen remembered the scene vividly, describing it as a "joy-filled chaos" until rebel forces arrived and took control. He recalled seeing Syria's future president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emerge from the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus's Old City. The young man was overcome with emotion, saying that he thought of his people who had suffered under the regime and hoped for a better future.
For Yamen, the liberation of Damascus marked a turning point. He expressed optimism about the new government, citing improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and salaries. However, he also highlighted concerns about freedom of expression, which was severely restricted under the old regime.
Under Assad's rule, criticism could lead to imprisonment, and even speaking out against the government could result in severe punishment. But with the new government in place, Yamen saw an opportunity for Syrians like him to express themselves freely.
As he looked back on the past year, Yamen reflected on how his perspective had changed. He no longer dreamed of leaving Syria for Spain but instead felt a sense of responsibility to stay and contribute to the country's development.
"I am ultimately a member of society," he said, explaining that he wanted to find work in the private sector or with the state after graduation. "I want to help this country." For Yamen, the liberation of Damascus marked a new beginning – one where he could make a difference and build a better future for himself and his fellow Syrians.
Yamen remembered the scene vividly, describing it as a "joy-filled chaos" until rebel forces arrived and took control. He recalled seeing Syria's future president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emerge from the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus's Old City. The young man was overcome with emotion, saying that he thought of his people who had suffered under the regime and hoped for a better future.
For Yamen, the liberation of Damascus marked a turning point. He expressed optimism about the new government, citing improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and salaries. However, he also highlighted concerns about freedom of expression, which was severely restricted under the old regime.
Under Assad's rule, criticism could lead to imprisonment, and even speaking out against the government could result in severe punishment. But with the new government in place, Yamen saw an opportunity for Syrians like him to express themselves freely.
As he looked back on the past year, Yamen reflected on how his perspective had changed. He no longer dreamed of leaving Syria for Spain but instead felt a sense of responsibility to stay and contribute to the country's development.
"I am ultimately a member of society," he said, explaining that he wanted to find work in the private sector or with the state after graduation. "I want to help this country." For Yamen, the liberation of Damascus marked a new beginning – one where he could make a difference and build a better future for himself and his fellow Syrians.
Another Syria update... 2 years after the alleged rebel victory, things are still super messy 
. There's been no real progress on rebuilding or reforming the government. The new president Ahmed al-Sharaa is just as bad, some people say 
. Human rights groups claim there's still no freedom of expression and journalists keep getting arrested. Not exactly the revolution we were all hoping for... 
I think it's amazing how something like this can bring people together and give them hope for the future. Like, who wouldn't want to live in a place where they can express themselves freely without fear of persecution? 
It's great that Yamen is feeling more optimistic about the new government and its potential to improve things like infrastructure and healthcare.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new beginning, but we have to make sure that this freedom isn't just for some people, but for all.
Not just about individual freedoms, but about working together towards a common goal.
it's crazy to think that after years of oppression, people are finally free to express themselves and have a say in their country's direction 
anyone else feel bad for the ppl who had to live under that brutal regime? i mean, its amazing to see syria's future president Ahmed al-Sharaa and how he's part of this new gov tho 
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