Palestinians Face an Uncertain Future

Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Col. Qaddafi in Libya, and Hafiz al-Assad in Syria came to power by ruthlessly overthrowing oppressive regimes. Initially, they were perceived by people as harbingers of more tolerant governments that would improve their lives. Regrettably, these new rulers increasingly adopted the intolerant, oppressive, and authoritarian ways of their predecessors.

- SURENDRA KUMAR

Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Col. Qaddafi in Libya, and Hafiz al-Assad in Syria came to power by ruthlessly overthrowing oppressive regimes. Initially, they were perceived by people as harbingers of more tolerant governments that would improve their lives. Regrettably, these new rulers increasingly adopted the intolerant, oppressive, and authoritarian ways of their predecessors. To maintain power, they resorted to constant surveillance of their people, instilling fear of severe punishment for even the slightest dissent. Their loyal henchmen brutally suppressed any perceived threat to the regime. Disregard for civil liberties was not the only flaw; these regimes were also corrupt, inefficient, and guilty of economic mismanagement. Slowly, these regimes lost touch with their people, who seethed with anger, bitterness, and hatred, awaiting their fall.

Bashar al-Assad's surprisingly swift collapse of power followed a similar trajectory. In 1994, following the death of his elder brother Bassel in a car accident, Bashar was recalled by his father from London to be groomed as his heir. No one could have imagined that he would soon surpass his father in centralizing authority and implementing a ruthless, authoritarian, and corrupt government unconcerned about the people's problems. He joined the military academy and attained the rank of colonel. In 1998, he was put in charge of the Syrian occupation of Lebanon. Following the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Lebanon witnessed the Cedar Revolution, characterized by anti-Syria protests that forced Assad to end the Lebanese occupation in 2005.