Aleppo; identity and history extermination war

The military operation carried out by Assad regime against Aleppo was not an episode in the context of the war launched by Assad and his allies against “terrorist groups” but a systematic destructing campaign against the economic capital with all its symbolic and historic value. 

The people of Aleppo watch with sorrow and sadness the destruction of their city which was one of the richest cities in the Middle East. Many believe that the reasons behind this brutal war against Aleppo date back to 35 years when the city was oppressed at the hands of Hafez Assad. The old city revolted against Assad regime since that time and the then demonstrations asked for democracy and freedom. 

Many activists today don’t hide their blame for those who accused Aleppo of being accomplice with Assad. They remind those who blamed the people of Aleppo with the peaceful demonstrations that took to the streets from Aleppo University. 

When Aleppo joined the revolution in 2012, Assad regime received a big blow. Therefore, Assad did his best to make Aleppo stay under his control.

Today, 5 years later, the students who left their faculties in Aleppo University and demonstrated in the streets have either died or joined FSA. Others left the whole country and became refugees. But the question now is what has changed in Aleppo? 

The eastern part of the city which is still under opposition control is the poor side of the city. The war torn city witnessed a massive wave of displacement. Some headed towards Turkey, others to Lebanon while some others moved to Latakia and Tartus. 

Recent estimates say that the 3.5 million city has become less than 1 million within the 5 yearlong conflict. 

On the eastern side, the opposition brigades have prepared themselves to fight for a long time. Some military experts believe that Russia is using the American silence to recapture the whole city and restore the regime’s control over the countryside. 

Observers add that opposition needs to reconstruct its strategy to face Assad plans. 

The war ravaged city which has been subjected to wide-scale destruction has lost huge human potentials and economic wealth that is difficult to be restored in the near future.    

Yusuf  Diab in Asharq Al-Awast

Translated by Orient Net English