• Source:JND
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The Syrian civil war, one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century, began with an act of defiance by 14-year-old Mouawiya Syasneh in March 2011. Frustrated by the oppressive regime of President Bashar al-Assad, Syasneh spray-painted a provocative message, "Ejak el door, ya doctor" (It's your turn, Doctor), on a wall in Daraa during the Arab Spring in 2011, referencing Bashar al-Assad’s medical background. This seemingly small act ignited nationwide unrest, ultimately culminating in Assad's ouster years later.

Mohammad Syasneh's graffiti, driven by local grievances, drew a swift and brutal response from Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The teenager and his friends were detained by the Mukhabarat, Syria’s secret police and subjected to alleged torture over 26 days. The release of the boys, bruised and battered, outraged Daraa’s residents. Protests erupted, demanding justice, but the government responded with tear gas and live ammunition, further escalating tensions.

Images of the tortured boys circulated widely, becoming a rallying cry across Syria. By March 15, 2011, the first organised "Day of Rage" marked the transition from localised protests to a nationwide movement against Assad’s rule. The death of 13-year-old Hamza al-Khatib under torture became another powerful symbol of resistance against the authoritarian rule in Syria and drew international condemnation. 

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Despite the growing unrest, Assad's regime clamped down harder, deploying security forces to suppress protests with force. By 2012, Syria plunged into full-scale civil war. The conflict was marked by accusations of war crimes, including chemical attacks and indiscriminate bombings. Assad retained control over key territories, supported by allies like Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, even as rebels seized major cities in 2014 and 2015.

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The tide turned in late 2024 when a rebel offensive, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), rapidly dismantled Assad’s hold over key areas. Damascus, the regime's stronghold, fell within days, forcing Assad to flee. Several reports suggest he may have sought refuge in Tehran, signalling the collapse of his rule.