In a corner of Syria, about six miles south of Damascus, lies the Sayedah Zainab shrine, once a critical hub for Iran’s Axis of Resistance. This informal alliance, aimed at countering the influence of the US and Israel in the Middle East, had a significant presence in Syria for years. However, after the toppling of Syrian President Bashar Assad‘s regime by Sunni rebels, the future of Sayedah Zainab and its role in the Axis of Resistance now stands on uncertain ground.
In the past, this site wasn’t just a religious destination for Shiite Muslims but a military base for thousands of militants from across the region. The shrine’s historical importance for Shiite Muslims, who believe the Prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter is buried there, turned the area into a strategic battleground in the fight against Sunni insurgents.
However, with the recent changes in power, the city’s residents are now grappling with the lingering legacy of Iran’s influence and military presence. The story of Sayedah Zainab’s transformation serves as a potent symbol of the region’s shifting dynamics and a point of reflection for many who once called it home.
Sayedah Zainab Shrine: A Sacred Site Transformed Into a Military Stronghold
At the height of the conflict, Sayedah Zainab became a rallying cry for Shiite fighters. These militias, hailing from Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and even Afghanistan, flooded the town, turning it from a place of pilgrimage into a military fortress.
- Thousands of fighters moved into the town.
- Streets were blocked by concrete barriers.
- Foreign militias dominated local life, creating a tense atmosphere where ordinary residents found themselves under the shadow of the conflict.
As Mohammad Al-Hahi, a local resident, recalls, “This place became the political capital for all of these groups.” The town, once peaceful and quiet, had become the staging ground for a broader regional conflict. Yet, this era has come to an abrupt end with the recent change in power.
The Exodus: Iranian Influence Fades, and Residents Face Uncertainty
In the aftermath of Assad’s fall, the Shiite militias that once controlled Sayedah Zainab have fled, leaving behind a town reeling from their absence. Many residents, including Khaled Darwish, a local shopkeeper, felt oppressed by the overwhelming presence of foreign militias. “You couldn’t go anywhere without one of those groups bugging you,” Darwish recalls, speaking about the militants who had effectively taken control of everyday life.
This dramatic shift has left many in the town reflecting on their difficult past and grappling with questions about what comes next. For some, the militias’ departure means freedom from an Iran-backed occupation, but others are left with deep fears about their future under new leadership.
The Future of Sayedah Zainab Under Sunni Rebel Control
One of the most notable shifts after the fall of Assad’s regime was the arrival of Sunni rebel forces who have now assumed control of the town. Many local residents, particularly those who had lived under the influence of the Shiite-dominated militias, were initially uncertain about what this change would mean for their safety and religious freedom.
- Jamal Awadh, a 60-year-old administrator at the shrine, explained that many residents feared retaliation or discrimination. Yet, the Sunni rebels have been surprisingly cordial, announcing through loudspeakers that the Shiite community could continue to visit the shrine without harassment.
- “They show they care about the shrine just as much as we do,” Awadh said.
This new chapter has not been without its challenges. Some families are still reeling from the sudden loss of their homes or businesses, while others are contending with the military legacy left behind by the departing militias.
Iran’s Axis of Resistance: The Impact of Losing Syria
The loss of Syria is a significant blow to the Axis of Resistance, which is a coalition of countries and militias aligned with Iran. Syria was the key logistical route for Iran’s supply lines to its proxies like Hezbollah and other Shiite factions. With Syria now out of the fold, Iran’s influence in the region has been severely weakened.
- Hamas and Hezbollah, two of the Axis’ main players, have also suffered massive setbacks in the past year.
- Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah has devastated the militant group’s leadership and resources.
In the face of these losses, Iran has tried to downplay the significance of Assad’s fall, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, claiming that the Axis is stronger than ever despite the mounting challenges.
“The more pressure you bring on it, the stronger it will become.”
A New Era for Sayedah Zainab: Reflecting on the Past and Looking Ahead
For many residents of Sayedah Zainab, life under the shadow of Iranian-backed militias meant living with constant fear, restrictions, and an ever-present military influence. Now that these groups have fled, some residents are hopeful for a future free from foreign domination. However, the road ahead is unclear, and the town’s future remains uncertain.
In the meantime, the militarised remnants left behind by the militias continue to dot the landscape:
- Tunnels linking different buildings
- Military depots hidden under residential areas
- Posters of Sayed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, which still hang on lampposts despite being defaced by the locals
These signs of the past serve as a reminder of the region’s violent and turbulent history, but they also act as a catalyst for change, as the people of Sayedah Zainab attempt to rebuild their lives and their town in a post-conflict world.
Iran’s Struggle in the Axis of Resistance
While Iran may have lost its most significant regional ally in Syria, it remains committed to the Axis of Resistance. Yet, the challenges facing Iran are immense. With losses in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Axis is undergoing a critical moment of transition. Iran’s response, however, remains defiant, claiming that external pressure will only strengthen its resolve.
For the people of Sayedah Zainab, the changes on the ground offer a chance at a new beginning. But as with all conflicts in the Middle East, the future remains uncertain, and the region’s intricate political and military landscape will continue to evolve.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Iran’s Influence in the Middle East: The Axis of Resistance
- Syria’s Strategic Importance in the Iran–Hezbollah Alliance
- The Future of Sayedah Zainab: What Lies Ahead?
Photo credit: QIRS
