Today, Explained – Episode: "Will Syrians Return Home?"
Released on December 12, 2024
Hosts: Sean Rameswaram and Noel King
Producer: Vox Media Podcast Network
Introduction: Omar al Shugri’s Journey
The episode opens with a poignant reflection from Omar al Shugri, a 29-year-old Syrian who currently resides in Stockholm, Sweden. Omar recounts his harrowing experiences during the Syrian civil war, including his imprisonment and eventual escape.
Omar al Shugri [00:01]: "The most beautiful moment was when I was seeing the prisoners being liberated from Aleppo and further to Hama and to Homs. And then when they came close to Syed Naya prison, it got really serious in my heart because it was a place that I know very well. I spent almost a year there."
Omar describes the emotional turmoil he felt witnessing the fall of Syria's dictatorship.
Omar al Shugri [00:28]: "I didn't know that a human being could be so happy before. I'm telling you, the joy was so unmatchable. I wanted to laugh so hard, I wanted to jump. But I ended up crying like a baby and I cry of joy. The joy of being free. It's the first time I feel it."
Noel King introduces Omar’s current dilemma: choosing between a stable life in Sweden and the possibility of returning to a newly freed Syria.
Omar’s Harrowing Experience in Sednaya Prison
The narrative delves into Omar’s past, detailing his imprisonment for protesting against Bashar Al Assad's regime. At the age of 15, Omar was detained and subjected to severe torture in Sednaya prison, one of Syria’s most brutal detention centers.
Omar al Shugri [03:15]: "Pain makes you say anything. You don't think about the long term consequences of your false confession, that you're going to be sentenced to execution or life in prison... So I gave them the false confession they wanted."
Omar describes the relentless torture and the psychological impact of being transferred through ten different prisons.
Omar al Shugri [04:35]: "When I was in Sayyidina, I was... I was a kid because I was taken to prison first time when I was 15... I have two homes, one in Syria and one in Sweden. Both are very important to me."
Escape and Life in Sweden
Omar narrates his miraculous escape from what was meant to be his execution day. His mother orchestrated a daring rescue, smuggling him out just before his scheduled execution.
Omar al Shugri [09:11]: "When she told me they smuggled me out of prison, I got so mad because I didn't get smuggled out of prison. I was like, executed. They shot, they put me, they executed me... So I was smuggled out of prison on my execution day, June 11, 2015."
Nine years after his escape, Omar has integrated into Swedish society, working for the Syrian Emergency Task Force and a tech company specializing in self-driving cars. However, his heart remains divided between his life in Sweden and his yearning to rebuild his homeland.
Omar al Shugri [10:04]: "What's important for me is to rebuild Syria, contribute with the education I have, with the knowledge I have gained and the experience I have from democracies to help Syria."
The Broader Syrian Refugee Crisis
Noel King transitions the conversation to the larger context of the Syrian refugee crisis. The discussion is enriched by insights from Dr. Amani Kadour, Director of Syria Relief and Development, and an associate faculty member at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Amani Kadour [20:20]: "This is a country that has probably 6 to 7 million refugees outside of the country, one of the highest for those that have been following Syria, Syria for the past decade."
The episode explores the displacement statistics, highlighting that nearly 4 million Syrian refugees have sought asylum in neighboring countries like Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon, with smaller numbers moving to Europe, the UK, the US, and Canada.
Current Conditions in Syria and Prospects for Return
The podcast delves into the conditions in Syria post-Assad, addressing the challenges that potential returnees face. Despite the fall of the Assad regime, Syria remains grappling with severe economic instability, decimated infrastructure, and ongoing security concerns.
Dr. Amani Kadour [25:54]: "Inflation has hit the country hard. So generally economic insecurity in Syria and outside, which is also adds to some of the push pull factors for some Syrians that have struggled also outside of the country."
Omar al Shugri emphasizes the resilience and hope among Syrians but remains cautious about the safety and feasibility of returning.
Omar al Shugri [14:24]: "I think it's too early for anyone to return. I won't push people to do it yet. I won't do it myself."
Policy Responses and Future Outlook
The episode examines how various countries are re-evaluating their migration and asylum policies in light of the changing political landscape in Syria. Countries like Germany, Holland, and Denmark are considering adjustments to facilitate safe and dignified returns, though skepticism remains high due to ongoing instability.
Dr. Amani Kadour [24:53]: "I am very cautious about what this means. When many say they want to return. Is the time necessarily now? No."
The hosts discuss the emotional and practical challenges faced by Syrians contemplating a return, balancing familial bonds and the desire for reconstruction against the uncertainties of Syria’s future.
Personal Stories and Human Impact
Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes underscore the human aspect of the refugee crisis. Omar’s longing for his homeland, despite building a new life in Sweden, mirrors the sentiments of millions of displaced Syrians worldwide.
Omar al Shugri [10:04]: "I feel home in Stockholm. This is reality. I can change. So I have two homes, one in Syria and one in Sweden."
The conversation highlights the psychological toll of displacement, the struggle to maintain cultural identity, and the difficult choices refugees face regarding repatriation.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As the episode concludes, hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King reflect on the complex interplay of hope, resilience, and uncertainty that characterizes the Syrian refugee experience. The path to rebuilding Syria and facilitating safe returns remains fraught with challenges, requiring coordinated international efforts and a commitment to sustainable development.
Omar al Shugri [22:50]: "My father was killed so we have freedom. My brother, my other brother were killed to have freedom... I would definitely never settle for less than having a real democracy in Syria."
The episode emphasizes the importance of supporting Syrian refugees while advocating for a peaceful and democratic Syria, ensuring that the sacrifices made during the conflict lead to a better future for all Syrians.
Credits:
Produced by Avishai Artsy
Edited by Aminah El Sadi
Fact-checked by Laura Bullard
Mixed by Andrea Christian's daughter and Rob Byers
Host: Noel King
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