Dr. Bassam Koudeimati, a Syrian who has lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1985, shared his insights on the current situation in Syria and the hopes of Syrians for political stability during an interview with Novi dan. Reflecting on decades of conflict under the Assad regime, he described systemic terror and repression, comparing early governance in Syria to regimes like North Korea.

Koudeimati recounted how the Assad family established a brutal system, with opponents subjected to unspeakable atrocities, including imprisonment and torture. “Every city had prisons, and those who opposed the regime were silenced,” he explained. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope for a brighter future following the recent opposition declarations.

His 14-year-old son, Adel, also shared his dreams of visiting Syria in 2025, emphasizing the strong family ties maintained through social media. “I've never seen my homeland, but I feel a deep connection to it,” Adel said, describing his affection for both Bosnia and Syria as inseparable.

Dr. Koudeimati highlighted the dire living conditions in Syria, noting that many families survive only through remittances from relatives abroad. Despite Syria's former wealth, including vast oil reserves and zero foreign debt, years of war have devastated its economy and society. He remains cautiously optimistic about the possibility of change but acknowledges that rebuilding trust, stability, and governance will take time.