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The Drenched Shorts... If You Don't Like It, The Borders Are Open—A Story from Damascus to Latakia
It has been over three months since the issue of banning shorts was officially ended, and reconstruction efforts across the country have begun to accelerate. Syrians remain eager to reclaim their rights and hold onto their strong trust in their country's laws. While calls for reform grow louder and official positions shift, the attitudes of individuals continue to reflect a deep awareness of their rights and a firm rejection of exploitation or abuse.
During a trip from Damascus to Latakia, I encountered a personal moment that exemplifies the level of awareness most Syrians, especially expatriate youth, possess. Along the way, a young man in his thirties was seated next to me. His conversations usually started with questions about ordinary matters, but they soon developed into an unexpected dialogue.
Suddenly, he began talking about a security officer standing at a garage in Damascus, exploiting his position improperly—using his authority to force citizens to adhere to arbitrary rules, including bans on wearing shorts. I asked him about the law that supposedly bans this, and his answer was shocking: "There’s no law like that. Honestly, brother, I’ve never heard of it."
However, the young man was not satisfied with just that. He reiterated firmly that, despite all circumstances, Syrians understand their rights and responsibilities. They know well that no one has the right to impose illegal restrictions or exploit their positions to humiliate them. They "are not animals," as he put it.
This small story, which I experienced during the trip, reflects the awareness of the young Syrian and their rejection of abuses of power. In a rapidly changing present, as the country moves forward with construction and reform, it serves as proof that Syrians will no longer accept being used for personal gains. They are highly conscious of their rights and remain steadfast in their struggle for a homeland that respects the law and honors its people.
