Portraits from the 'Republic of Fear'
Portraits from the 'Republic of Fear' newspress_en Sun, 11/01/2026 - 05:58 Opinion They would turn up the television when they wanted to lower their voices. In Syrian homes, criticism had its own ritual. First, the sound of a newsreader or television drama would rise. Then the speaker would lean in, his lips almost touching his guest's ear. Even those who wielded power were wary of what the walls…
In Syrian homes, criticism took on a ritualized form. Before engaging in conversation, people would first listen to newsreaders or television dramas. The sound would rise, and then the speaker would lean in, his lips nearly touching the listener's ear. This behavior reflected a heightened sense of awareness regarding the potential for surveillance.
Some individuals were aware of the existence of listening devices, while others had even planted them themselves. The fear persisted that their colleagues might have planted such devices first. Even two years after the fall of the Syrian regime, the stories continued to emerge, with people seeking ways to communicate without fear of detection.
The television, while often used to broadcast praise for the President, also served as a medium for discreet communication. Those seated before the television would attempt to slip in subtle remarks or weary sighs, hoping to convey their thoughts without raising suspicion. In contrast, the telephone proved to be a less reliable means of communication, with its own hidden agendas.
The story of Jamil Hassan and Ali Mamlouk exemplifies the complexities of this environment. Hassan had lost his position as head of Air Force Intelligence, while Mamlouk retained his role as director of the National Security Bureau. Mamlouk, known for his strategic acumen, intercepted Hassan's call upon the latter's attempt to inquire about the dismissal.
In a masterful display of caution, Mamlouk responded by dismissing Hassan's request, stating that he could not hear him due to interference on the line. This exchange underscored the desperate attempts by those who had lost power to maintain a semblance of freedom of expression, even in the face of surveillance. The narrative also delved into the intricate relationship between the Baath Party and the regime.
Despite his loathing for the party, Mamlouk remained a crucial figure in the security establishment, demonstrating the blurred lines between loyalty and personal conviction. The Baath Party, with its public displays of allegiance, stood in stark contrast to the behind-the-scenes machinations that determined one's standing within the regime.
As the regime crumbled, the habits of power and the consequences of speaking out remained deeply ingrained in those who had once wielded authority.
Written by urgent.news from Al Majalla English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
