‘Syria has reached a crossroads’

Mullingar author, Anthony Viney, recalls journey in Syria in late 2011

“Syria has reached a crossroads,” says Mullingar author, Anthony Viney, recalling his journey there in late 2011 as the country descended into civil war.

Then, as now, it was at a turning point. The Arab Spring had swept across the Middle East and popular protests erupted against the al-Assad regime.

“When I look at how things are today, I wonder whether history is repeating itself,” said Tony.

At the time, a democratically inspired rebellion offered the people and international community high hopes, but it was brutally crushed by the government, and Al Qaeda and ISIS, some of whose affiliates are still present, took to the stage.

Anthony’s travels through Syria took him to the ancient Roman ruins of Palmyra, subsequently destroyed in the civil war. He visited Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city and home to much of the opposition. He then took the road to Damascus, inspiring the title of his novel.

“The journey didn’t come without its risks,” said Anthony. He encountered militia checkpoints and tanks on the streets and a had surprising meeting with the departing British ambassador, who advised him to get the next plane out.

Pressing on to Damascus, Anthony was struck by its modernity as traffic police in white shirts and gloves waived taxis through tree-lined avenues. “It could have been Paris. The Great Mosque proved an eye-opener, housing the remains of the revered warrior, Saladin, and reputedly the head of John the Baptist. When I watch people in Damascus celebrating in the streets today, I would love to go back,” he said.

Asked for his thoughts on the future of Syria, Anthony expressed mixed feelings. ‘In 2011, the main opposition were activists calling for democracy and human rights. Today the situation is more complex, and a combination of Islamist fighters and Kurdish rebels are attempting to fill the vacuum.

“Syrian society is like a mosaic – Sunni, Shia, Alawite, Kurd, Christian and Druze. They all need to have a stake in the future if they are to cooperate. The wider picture is worrying too, as regional players like Turkey, Israel and Iran want to extend their reach.”

Since Anthony’s Syrian adventure, he penned ‘On the Road to Damascus’, inspired by the events he witnessed. “While it’s essentially a thriller, I tried to capture the rich heritage and cultural diversity of the country,” he said.

Hoping some day to return, Anthony is full of praise for the warmth and hospitality of the people: “Ddespite the present challenges, there is still cause to be hopeful,” he said.

• On the Road to Damascus is available on Amazon and at Just Books in Mullingar.