Today, the most occupied country in the world celebrates its 78th anniversary of independence.

With Russia, Israel, Türkiye, Iran, and the US each having at least tacit control over a piece of Syria today, one wonders what brought occupation back to the nation?

In the nearly half-century between 1922 and 1970, power changed hands 28 times. Over the subsequent half-century, under the rule of the al-Assads (1971–2020), power changed hands twice: from Hafez to Bashar.

In Arabic, we say الطغاة يجلبون الغزاة — "Tyrants bring invaders." It certainly seems clear that Assad's despotism is the reason Syria is occupied by so many countries today.

More in my interactive tool with Samy Akil outlining the transition of power in Syria from 1920 to date.

karamshaar.com/syrias-heads-of-state