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Shifting Roles in Post-War Syria: From Fighters to Peacekeepers

A closer look at the transformation happening in Damascus and the return of political exiles.

By Matthew Cassel, Alessandro Pavone, Sarah Kerr, Chevaz Clarke and Meg FellingSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Shifting Roles in Post-War Syria: From Fighters to Peacekeepers
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

As Syria emerges from a decade-long conflict, former fighters are shifting roles to maintain peace, while political exiles return to witness the changing landscape.

In the aftermath of a tumultuous decade, Syria is witnessing a remarkable transformation, particularly in Damascus. Former fighters who once supported President Assad are now taking on new responsibilities as policemen, committed to restoring order in a nation striving for stability. Many political exiles, displaced during the war, are cautiously returning to their homeland, exploring the changes that have taken shape. Meanwhile, some of these fighters, after years of conflict, have officially surrendered their weapons, embracing a new era of coexistence. Reports highlight the bittersweet tales of displaced Syrian families reclaiming their roots even as they face the difficult task of resettling. The shift from conflict to peace brings its own challenges, including the memories of loss and the search for the disappeared, which continues to haunt the survivors. As remnants of global conflicts merge with local dynamics, the narratives of those who lived through the battles reveal a complicated portrait of resilience and hope in a war-scarred nation, cautiously moving forward while acknowledging its painful past.

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