The fall of Syria’s dictator Bashar al-Assad has sparked mixed emotions among Syrian refugees considering returning home. While some are eager to rebuild their lives, others remain uncertain or bitter about their future.
Fear of the Unknown
Manal al-Mouqdad, a 36-year-old mother of three, remains unsure about returning to her hometown of Daraa. Her husband, who attempted to migrate to Germany, is now stranded in Libya. “Everything has been so quick and sudden that I can’t wrap my head around what is happening,” she said. Al-Mouqdad fears new groups in Syria, saying, “It’s hard to know if we can trust them.”
Hope for a Fresh Start
Hind al-Hariri, another refugee, is eager to return to Daraa but faces logistical challenges. One of her children requires special-needs education, available only in Jordan for now. Despite these hurdles, she remains hopeful: “We still have a house, but it’s just a building; there’s a lot of work to do.”
Indecision Amid Uncertainty
Shereen Mankash, a 43-year-old from Damascus, is cycling through emotions of elation and fear. While images of peace and celebration in Syria uplift her, she questions the future government. “Who will it be, how will the rules be?” she asked.
Bitterness and Refusal to Return
For 27-year-old Mohamed Adnan Kadadihi, the trauma of fleeing Aleppo has left him staunchly opposed to returning. “My country stopped my dreams and made me a refugee,” he said. Kadadihi believes younger Syrians prioritize financial stability over nostalgia, contrasting with older generations yearning to die in their homeland.
The Path Ahead for Refugees
The fall of Assad has created a moment of reckoning for Syria’s displaced population. While the hope of rebuilding their homeland is alive for some, fear and unresolved trauma keep others rooted in their current lives abroad. As Syria enters a new chapter, the decision to return home remains deeply personal and fraught with uncertainty.
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