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Women on Syria Part II: After Assad

The endgame in Syria is not clear after two years of intense fighting between the rebels and government forces. But the Syrian opposition has made it clear that President Bashar Assad leave the country. Twelve women from seven Arab countries, from Bahrain to Egypt and Syria, were asked what a post-Assad Syria would be like.

      The endgame in Syria is not clear after two years of intense fighting between the rebels and government forces. But the Syrian opposition has made it clear that President Bashar Assad leave the country. President Barack Obama and other world leaders have also said Assad must step down.Twelve women from seven Arab countries, from Bahrain to Egypt and Syria, were asked what a post-Assad Syria would be like. Most of the women foresaw a chaotic transition and sectarian fighting. Two warned that Islamic extremists could grab power. Iraqi women noted similarities between Syria and the bloody conflict that ensued after Saddam Hussein’s fall. The following are the women’s responses arranged by country. 

Syria

Mouna Ghanem, Deputy President of Building the Syrian State movement

            If President Assad steps down as a result of a political settlement, Syria may move towards democracy. Otherwise, the conflict will turn into an everlasting and destructive civil war.

Bahrain

Mariam al Rowaie, Women's rights activist, Former President of the Bahrain Women Union

            Whether or not Assad stays or goes does not really matter. The Syrian people will need to reach a consensus to form a democracy ― without the intervention of regional powers. The Syrian people must serve their national interests.

Egypt

Howaida Nagy, Grant Coordinator at CARE International

            The bloodshed in Syria will only cease after sectarian groups abandon their desire for revenge. In an idyllic post-Assad Syria, representatives of all factions would sit together and appoint an inclusive interim government. They would set a clear timeframe for rebuilding the country and preparing for a legitimate election.

Rowida Omar, Executive Manager of the Egyptian Democratic Academy

            Syria will likely follow the same path as Iraq after Saddam Hussein’s fall. Conflicting political forces will scramble to take power, leaving the country unstable until they reach an agreement or form a coalition government – which will take time.

Iraq

Hana’a Hamood Abbas, President of Rafidain Women’s Coalition

            Syria will be unstable after the regime changes, just like what happened in Iraq. Remaining state institutions will likely be weak and lack independent authority. Elections will help stabilize the country. But coups and attempts at revolution will not.

Amira Albaldawi, Chair of Um al Yateem Foundation

            A post-Assad Syria would face a long period of disorder given the strength of armed groups and the weakness of the political opposition. A Taliban-like would likely take advantage of the situation and grab power, with negative implications for the whole region.

Shatha al Obosi,President of Iraq Foundation for Development and Human Rights

            Syrians will stand up and rebuild their country after Assad is gone. Women should take part in the decision-making process and work towards peace and reconciliation.

Hala al Saraf, Director of Iraq Health Access Program

            If someone had asked me what a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq would look like, I would have given them a totally different picture from how Iraq is doing today. The Assad regime is not much different from Hussein’s. Based on our difficult experience in Iraq ― which we have not yet recovered from ― I do not have a rosy picture of a post-Assad Syria. Extremists, especially groups affiliated with al Qaeda, are growing in number and have a lot financial support. They may pose a serious threat to Syria’s long-term security.

Shatha Naji Hussein, Women for Peace Organization

            I see two possible scenarios for a post-Assad Syria. Radical Islam and al Qaeda may come to power, which would be a great disaster. Or the weak opposition will take control and begin the long process of building a modern, democratic state.

Jordan

Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Member of Parliament

            The subsequent phase of reconstruction ― with or without Assad ― would be very difficult. The fighting has significantly damaged infrastructure and crippled the economy. Conditions would need to improve before refugees or displaced persons would return to their homes. And restoring of security and stability would require ridding the country of foreign terrorist groups. Syria would likely need the assistance of regional and international bodies.           

Lebanon

Tima Khalil, Producer/Journalist at Positive Change Production

           The gradual, systematic annihilation of organized society will be the determining factor for Syria's future whether or not Assad goes. The real question is whether anything will be left to rebuild. Bringing the nation back together will be difficult.

Morocco

Hasnaa Chehabi, Chair of the Women, Water and Environment Society

            Imagining a post-Assad Syria is difficult – as is seeing the virtue of what has happened in Arab states that also had revolutions. Presidents were overthrown, but the situation is still foggy and unstable in many ways, especially in Egypt. The youth and international organizations supporting civil society will never accept the status quo. 

Photo credit: Voice of America News: Elizabeth Arrot from Damascus, Syria. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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