Anti-Government Protests in Southern Syria Continue
Protests against the dire economic situation in southern Syria have entered their second week, with demonstrators calling for the fall of the Assad government. The protests, initially sparked by rising inflation and a struggling economy, have concentrated in the government-controlled province of Suwayda, the heart of the Syrian Druze community.
Protesters Demand Change
During the protests, demonstrators have waved the Druze minority flag, burned government banners, and even raided offices of the ruling Ba’ath party. The actions of the protesters have alarmed the Assad government, although they do not currently pose a significant threat. Despite the government’s consolidation of control over much of the country, anger is rising among Syrians who did not participate in the 2011 anti-Assad protests.
Economic Struggles and Government Actions
The recent protests were triggered by the Syrian president’s decision to cut a costly fuel and gasoline subsidy program, which further increased inflation and weakened the Syrian pound. Public sector wage and pension increases offered little relief to Syrians living in poverty. These economic pressures, combined with corruption and Western sanctions, have led to an increase in the country’s poverty rate.
Hope for Change
The protests in Suwayda and neighboring Dara’a province represent a departure from the region’s previous isolation during the Syrian conflict. While government forces have refrained from using lethal force against the protesters in Suwayda, at least 57 people have been arrested in Dara’a. The protests highlight Assad’s vulnerability to the collapsing economy and the potential for change if protesters unite across different cities.
Impact on the Syrian Population
The conflict in Syria has resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians, the displacement of millions, and widespread damage to infrastructure. Rampant corruption and economic struggles have left nearly 90% of Syrians living in poverty. Some Syrians express their support for the protests in quieter ways, while others focus on daily survival and struggle to afford basic necessities.
Overall, the ongoing protests in southern Syria underline the potential threat to Assad’s rule, especially if protesters across different cities unite in their demands for change.
