Beneath the Regime, Beyond the Fear
Beneath the Regime, Beyond the Fear is a powerful memoir that exposes the cost of conscience under authoritarian rule. Told through the lived experience of Naser—a former Major General in Syria’s Political Security Department who dared to defy Assad’s regime—the book is a rare and deeply personal insight into the machinery of oppression and the quiet, painful courage it takes to walk away from it. From the echoing darkness of a solitary cell to the uncertain terrain of exile, Naser’s journey is both harrowing and profoundly human.
Andrea D. Woolhead
Andrea D. Woolhead is a writer, editor, and founder of Boldface Editing Ltd. Currently based in Milton Keynes, UK, she writes articles, blogs and edits academic writing. She has helped Naser Naser find the words to express the horrendous trials he faced as he struggled to recall his past. A past that has deeply scarred him. Andrea has approached this project with empathy and care; and considers it a privilege to be part of this journey bringing Naser’s truth into the light. Beneath the Regime, Beyond the Fear is a testament to that commitment and her deep belief in the human voice.
Naser Naser
Naser is a former Major General in Syria’s Political Security Department who risked everything by standing up to a brutal regime. Once a trusted insider, he chose conscience over complicity, a decision that led to solitary confinement, exile, and years of being treated as a threat even beyond Syria’s borders. Today, living in the UK, Naser shares his story not for sympathy, but to bear witness. His courage, quiet dignity, and enduring belief in justice are what brought this memoir to life.
Masah
I wanted to write my parts in this book because I want to shed light on my father’s story through a child’s perspective; through my eyes. There’s something real about how children experience confusion and fear. Revisiting those childhood thoughts helped me understand just how much fear had been planted in our hearts, and how deeply the injustice my dad faced impacted our entire family. Yet, even in that darkness, I always looked at my dad with awe. Despite everything he went through, he remained a good person. I used to think to myself that one day, he will tell this story, shedding light on what had been hidden, and speak his truth with his head held high, while having no shame about where he you came from. I wanted to be part of this book to bring out the emotional reality that often gets overlooked. Injustice doesn’t just affect one person, it affects whole families, whole generations. There’s never just one side to a story, and I wrote my side to show the world how many hearts can be wounded by a single wrong, and how much strength it takes to keep going in spite of everything.
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