CONFLICTED The Syrian Civil War Pt.3: The Arab Spring Hits Aleppo
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Mar 12, 2025 Ronnie Hamada, a Syrian Kurd, shares his gripping experiences as a civilian during the Syrian Civil War. He recounts the harrowing moments of witnessing classmates attacked during Arab Spring protests and the escalating violence in Aleppo. Ronnie reflects on a traumatic internet cafe robbery and the chaos leading to his family's decision to flee to Afrin. He discusses the rise of Kurdish armed groups and the profound impact of the war on civilians, offering an intimate perspective on survival and resistance amid turmoil.
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Delayed Schooling, Life Saved
- Ronnie Hamada's parents delayed his primary school entry by a year, officially changing his birth year from 1993 to 1994.
- This seemingly minor detail saved him from potential conscription into the Syrian army during the escalating conflict in 2011.
Student Status as a Shield
- University students held a respected social status in Syria, seen as the future of the country.
- This status provided a degree of protection during protests as there were political consequences if students were targeted, unlike those in rural areas.
Flying Protests in Aleppo
- Protests in Aleppo were coordinated through online forums and word-of-mouth by local coordination committees.
- These committees, primarily made up of young people, organized flash protests in poorer, less-policed neighborhoods.