The path ahead is difficult but Syria could have a bright future yet

The sun rises over Damascus days after rebels seized the capital and ousted Bashar Al Assad in Damascus, Syria, December 12. Reuters

The torture and heartbreak in Syria

With reference to Nada Homsi's report Desperate families and tortured bodies at Damascus morgue (December 11): A once beautiful country with such great history was destroyed by a government that was adamant about staying in power. The past decade will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. The new Syria deserves better. Bury your dead but never forget what caused their deaths.

Roger Sutton, Sydney, Australia

The prospect of a new start for Syrians

With regard to The National editorial Syria's new reality must be reckoned with (December 8): This touched on some important points about Syria's current reality and its future prospects. It’s clear that while the fall of Al Assad is a hopeful sign, rebuilding Syria is a daunting challenge.

The task ahead is not just about dismantling the old system, but also about creating a new vision for Syria's future.

The new leadership must focus on several key aspects for Syria to move forwards. Security and stability will be the big challenge. Decades of conflict have left many regions unstable, with various factions vying for control.

To create a better future, effort will be required to restore basic services, rebuild key industries, and create jobs for Syrians. Employment helps secure long-term peace, as it helps to address poverty and instability.

The new administration must ensure that all Syrian citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political background, feel included and are included in the rebuilding process.

Syria must also engage positively with its neighbours and the international community. A new Syria should demonstrate that it can be a peaceful and reliable partner in the region. Will this happen? It’s hard to say for certain.

However, success will depend on the willingness of both internal and external actors to support Syria’s transition and overcome the hurdles that remain. While the path ahead is difficult, with the right leadership and international co-operation, it is possible that Syria could become a stable, prosperous and peaceful country.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

We can all balance work and fitness

I am a dedicated marathon runner. On Saturday, December 14, I will participate in the Adnoc Marathon in Abu Dhabi, running the full 42.2km dressed in a complete business suit. I want to convey an important message to corporate employees: fitness is essential, no matter how busy life gets. Many professionals prioritise work over health, leaving no time for exercise. My aim is to demonstrate that balancing work and fitness is possible, and if seeing me run a marathon in a suit inspires even one person, I will consider my mission a success.

In the 2022 Adnoc marathon, I ran in a full PPE coverall and helmet to highlight the importance of health, safety, and environment (HSE) in the workplace. This earned me recognition in the India Book of Records. My goal remains the same: to inspire others to prioritise their health and well-being, proving that with determination, nothing is impossible.

Sadique Ahamed, Abu Dhabi