God, Syria, and Bashar! (song)
| "God, Syria, and Bashar!" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Rami Kazour | |
| Language | Arabic |
| Genre | Political music |
"God, Syria, and Bashar!" is a pro‑Assad song created by Rami Kazour[1] after the killing of Ibrahim Qashoush, who had written the anti‑Assad song "Yalla Erhal Ya Bashar". The song was likely released as a way to mock Qashoush's killing.[2] It has become an internet meme in the years since, especially in the aftermath of the fall of the Ba'athist regime.[2]
Background
Qashoush's killing
On July 3, 2011, Qashoush was abducted by pro-Assad forces. His body was later found in the Orontes River in Hama, with his vocal cords removed.[3] His death wasn't announced until 2016.[4]
Release of God, Syria, and Bashar!
The songs release is frequently linked to the killing of Ibrahim Qashoush, a protest singer known for the anti‑government chant “Yalla Erhal Ya Bashar.” Kazour's song was released as a counter‑message and has been interpreted by observers as an attempt to mock the impact of Qashoush's work.[2]
Messages of the song
In interviews, Kazour defended the song's phrasing and said it was meant to provoke protesters, whom he dismissed harshly. He described Assad as the "last honorable Arab leader" and argued that Syria was "unlike other countries that had seen uprisings."[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Syrian Singer Rallies Assad Forces". Voice of America. 27 January 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
- ^ a b c kmenshikova (27 October 2023). "Remembering Ibrahim Qashoush: a brutal story of musical resistance and regime violence". Retrieved 12 November 2025.
- ^ AL Jadeed News (12 December 2024). "يلا إرحل يا بشار".. عودة أسطورة القاشوش. Retrieved 13 December 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "القاشوش.. ملهب حماسة المتظاهرين بسوريا". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 13 December 2024.