Yesterday, one of my cousins, the son of an uncle, passed away after being wounded in the Russian/SyAF bombings of Idlib on 12/1, in response to the attack on Aleppo.

15 other members of my family were also wounded in the bombing, as it was their home that was hit, a civilian target.

They had been living in Idlib for the past few years after being deported there by Turkey. 

This is just a reminder that this war has had very real consequences felt by Syrians of every background and political position.

I also want to add that I know some ill-intented people will try to use this announcement to say that I’ve suddenly switched sides, but anyone who says that hasn’t been listening to what I’ve been saying. I’ve mentioned over and over again how this war tore apart my family, in every sense. Few understand the consequences of this war like I do.

My political position has always been rooted in an anti-imperialism and anti-Zionism. Both sides of this war shed lots of innocent blood and committed horrific crimes. My issue with the “opposition” was always their hypocrisy in covering up their crimes or the crimes of the people they glorified and praised. The true victims were the civilians who refused to pick up weapons or choose a side, the people who just wanted to live simply and not much else. 

This war was never just or righteous, as few wars are, and the ugly reality of it is too bitter of a pill for many to swallow. It was hard for me. 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.