Living Conditions in Qardaha: A Tale of Disparity
The city of Qardaha, once a stronghold of the Assad family, is now a stark contrast between the opulence enjoyed by the ousted regime and the dire conditions faced by its residents. While former President Bashar al-Assad and his family lived in luxury, many families in Qardaha have endured decades of poverty and systematic neglect. The recent fall of the Assad regime has sparked hope among the locals for improved living conditions, yet the reality remains grim.
Residents express deep resentment towards the Assad regime, which they accuse of leaving a legacy of injustice and terror. Many locals were barred from entering affluent neighborhoods where the Assad family resided, only to witness the stark wealth disparity after the regime's collapse. Munther Jamil al-Assad, a cousin of Bashar, was a prominent figure in the city, exploiting local labor for minimal wages while living in a palace overlooking impoverished families.
Abu Rami, a local resident, shares his struggles, revealing that he survives on a meager $10 a month from his retirement salary. The lack of job opportunities has forced many to work in the palaces of the Assad family for paltry sums, highlighting the economic desperation in Qardaha. Another resident lamented that the perception of wealth in the coastal region is misleading, stating, “We live on burning coals, literally.”
Despite the Assad family's downfall, the remnants of their power and wealth linger in Qardaha. The palaces serve as a reminder of the oppression faced by the locals, who now navigate a fragile recovery. Basic necessities like fuel and bread remain scarce, and many residents struggle to meet their daily needs. One citizen remarked on the absence of a middle class, stating, “Either there are rich billionaires or people who are crushed and earn $10 to buy bread.”
Fear still grips the community, as many residents hesitate to speak openly about their past suffering under the Assad regime. They worry about potential retribution, reflecting a deep-seated trauma that persists even after the regime's fall. The Assad family's policies effectively stifled local trade and employment, forcing citizens into military service to maintain the regime's grip on power.
As of December 8, 2024, Syrian factions have taken control of Damascus, marking a significant shift in power dynamics after 61 years of Baath Party rule and 53 years of Assad family dominance. While Qardaha's residents hope for a brighter future, the path to recovery remains fraught with challenges.
