Syrians interviewed for this study remain deeply negative about the situation in
Syrians interviewed for this study remain deeply negative about the situation in their country, but differences about the country’s direction are evident according to their political views. Regime opponents were despondent about the current situation, expressing little optimism and placing their hope in the Free Syrian Army’s (FSA) success. Assad supporters have seen signs of improvement following Syrian army gains. Government services are functioning in regime-held areas and are absent or ad hoc in other areas. Few wanted to discuss the current situation with others of different persuasions, except in regime controlled-areas, where regime supporters feel free to speak out, or in refugee camps, where people feel confident they are among regime opponents.
Regime Opponents Say Situation Ever Worsening
For those against the regime, the situation in Syria has worsened beyond imagination and shows no sign of improvement. Threats appear from every side and trap ordinary people amid death and destruction.
The current situation is extremely bad. I do not think it could become any worse than it already has. I have to feel that way because there is not a single home in Syria that has not lost one, two, or even three individuals. The families in Syria have all been destroyed.
— Sunni man (anti-regime), 30, refugee, Jordan
The situation in Syria is tougher than it is in Africa at its worst. But here in Syria there are many reasons for that: hunger, poverty, murder, rape, arrest, slaughter, and many things. And it hits us from many sides.
— Sunni man (anti-regime), 29, Deir al-Zor
Some blame the deterioration on the emergence of ISIS, whose brutal tactics have split and weakened the rebel cause.
The situation has gotten worse than it was a year ago because, as you can see and hear, ISIS is many different groups. Didn’t you hear when they slaughtered people from Jabhat Al-Nusrah? I really have no idea who brought these criminals.
— Sunni woman (anti-regime), 34, Deir al-Zor
What makes the situation even worse is the appearance of Da’esh (the Arabic acronym for ISIS) terrorists among our decent rebels, a fact that affected the world’s view of us negatively. The scenario is gloomy. My heart is broken. Our country was one of the best countries in the world, yet, sadly enough, now we are displaced.
— Sunni woman (anti-regime), 23, refugee, Turkey
Pro-Regime Respondents Credit
Army Gains with Improvements
In contrast to opponents, most regime supporters said Syria’s situation, while still very bad, has improved. They attributed this to gains made by the army in some areas and its success in “killing terrorists.”
The situation a year ago wasn’t reassuring or stable at all. We didn’t know where we were going or how the future of this country was going to be. The situation now has definitely changed. Everything is ours again because our courageous army is working very hard to defend the citizens.
— Alawi woman (pro-regime), 55, Damascus
The situation became much bet