The Illusion of Safety in Syria: A Harsh Reality for Returnees
In a recent commentary, the notion of 'safe areas' in Syria has been brought into question, particularly by Denmark and the Netherlands, who seem to have a misguided understanding of the situation on the ground. Despite the ongoing crisis characterized by rampant kidnappings, arrests, and dire living conditions, these nations are discussing the repatriation of refugees under the guise of safety. However, the reality in Syria is far from safe, as many returning individuals face the grim prospect of detention rather than security.
The idea of voluntary return to Syria is misleading. For many, it translates to a one-way ticket to the regime's prisons, where the concept of hospitality is non-existent. The dire conditions—prolonged power outages, lack of fuel, and scarcity of basic necessities—paint a bleak picture of life in Syria today. The absence of electricity and technology, rather than providing safety, only exacerbates the dangers, as kidnappers can operate with greater ease in the darkness.
The situation raises critical questions about who will truly ensure the safety of these proposed areas. The ruling regime, notorious for its violent suppression and transformation of cities into battlefields, is hardly a reliable guardian of peace. The notion that the regime could turn Syria into an oasis of tranquility is not only naive but also dismissive of the historical context of oppression and violence that has characterized its rule.
For those contemplating the return, the reality is stark: they will encounter a ghost town devoid of services, economic opportunities, and a decent quality of life. The prospect of waiting in endless lines for basic supplies, or worse, facing the threat of violence and abduction, looms large over any romanticized vision of returning home.
Ultimately, the concept of 'safe zones' appears to be a European construct, disconnected from the lived experiences of Syrians. Until tangible changes occur—such as the restoration of basic services and the dismantling of the oppressive regime—these areas will remain mere illusions, awaiting further tragedies and new waves of refugees seeking a better life elsewhere.
