Reporter’s Notebook: Chronicling the Assad regime from death of the father to defeat of the son
The recent events in Syria have once again brought to light the tumultuous history of the country. From the funeral of Hafez al-Assad in 2000 to the uprising against Bashar al-Assad in 2012, and the subsequent civil war that followed, the Syrian people have endured immense suffering. As a reporter for Fox News, I have had the privilege of witnessing some of these key moments firsthand.
In 2000, I covered the funeral of Hafez al-Assad, the former dictator of Syria. His reign was marked by brutal suppression of dissent and violence against his own people. The funeral was a somber affair, attended by dignitaries from around the world. Little did we know that just over a decade later, his son Bashar would face a similar fate as his regime came under attack by rebel forces.
In 2012, I witnessed the early days of the uprising against Bashar al-Assad. The peaceful protests quickly escalated into a full-blown civil war, with the Syrian military using brutal tactics to quell the rebellion. I reported from the city of Homs, where the devastation caused by the conflict was plain to see. It was a country at war with itself, with no end in sight.
In 2013, I had the opportunity to interview Bashar al-Assad himself. The interview was conducted at his palace, a symbol of his power and authority. Despite his mild-mannered demeanor, Assad’s regime was responsible for heinous atrocities, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians. It was a stark reminder of the brutality of his rule.
In 2014, I reported from the Syria-Turkey border as ISIS gained a foothold in the region. The conflict had become globalized, with various jihadist groups vying for control of the country. The eventual victory by Kurdish forces and US airstrikes marked a turning point in the fight against ISIS, but the war in Syria was far from over.
Now, in 2024, the Syrian people are celebrating the collapse of the Assad regime. After years of bloodshed and suffering, they are finally beginning to rebuild their country. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The HTS group, which led the uprising, has ties to Al-Qaeda and remains a potent force in the region. Building a new, free Syria will require cooperation among various factions and religious sects.
As I reflect on my experiences in Syria over the years, I am struck by the resilience and courage of the Syrian people. Despite the immense challenges they face, they remain hopeful for a better future. I am honored to have been able to witness their struggle and their triumphs, and I look forward to continuing to report on their journey towards peace and stability.
