With One Regime Gone, Syrians Must Now Recreate Their Government
State of the World from NPR
Deep Dive
What is the immediate focus for the opposition leaders in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime?
The immediate focus is on securing the country's borders, regulating trade, and rebuilding a functioning state after decades of repression and corruption.
How are the opposition fighters managing border checkpoints in Syria?
Fighters are manually checking IDs, taking photos of documents, and regulating traffic at checkpoints, as there is no functioning computer system yet.
What is the sentiment among the people in Daraa province after the fall of the Assad regime?
People express overwhelming happiness and a sense of freedom, but they also acknowledge the significant work ahead to rebuild the country.
What measures have been taken by the opposition to secure Syria's borders after the regime's collapse?
The opposition closed the entire border wall, placed guards at all entrances, and requested former border and customs employees to return to work.
What challenges are customs officials facing as they attempt to restart operations in Syria?
They are dealing with a lack of electricity, a divided country, and uncertainty about neighboring countries' intentions towards a strong Syria.
How does the restoration of the original Syrian flag symbolize the changes in the country?
The restoration of the flag represents the end of the Assad regime's influence and the return to a pre-regime era, symbolizing freedom and unity for the people.
What is the significance of the customs officials' meeting in the VIP lounge?
The meeting signifies the beginning of efforts to rebuild the state, with discussions on customs fees, transit fees, and inspection procedures, marking the start of a new chapter for Syria.
Shownotes Transcript