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Poster boys of the revolution: the icons, dead or alive in Syria

Published March 12th, 2013 - 01:45 GMT

With the second anniversary of the Syrian uprising on the horizon, images of the horrors of war are everywhere. But in the midst of the bloodshed, some figures have emerged as the more handsome face of the revolution.

Whether they’re a once great Syrian soap star, now trying to earn a crust in Egypt or Lebanon, or a chiselled jawed rebel soldier, they are the poster-boys of the 2-year uprising.

Every revolution needs its figurehead and these are some of the greats that have inspired a nation to fight against their own government. On the lighter side are opposition fighters with a penchant for online sex but the most poignant poster boys are those that have suffered the most at the hands of President Assad’s regime.

So as the battle rages on, with an estimated 70,000, already dead, Syria’s talented best face a grim choice. Either they must stick it out at home and risk dying among the many unnamed revolutionaries, or continue the fight abroad.

Here we give you some of the poster children and men of the Syrian revolution on the eve of the uprising’s second anniversary.

Who do you consider the poster boy of the Syrian revolution? Is there anyone you would add to the list? Share your comments with us below!

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Yasin Bakoush

Comic legend, Yasin Bakoush, was killed last month when a regime missile hit his car as he was driving through a Damascus neighborhood. A video showing 75-year-old’s body being pulled from the wreckage by FSA soldiers confirmed his death. The loss of one of Syria’s most cherished stars has hit the country hard.

Khaled Taja

As news of acting great, Khaled Taja’s, death emerged last year, rumors of foul play began to circulate. Despite a prolonged battle with cancer, Syrian activists were determined to use the soap star as their poster boy, claiming he was tortured to death by regime soldiers.

Omar

When photos of a chubby toddler called Omar surfaced on popular opposition Facebook page, The New Syria, the doe-eyed youth became known to many as the hopeful face of the uprising. From giving the ‘peace sign’ to having a bubble bath, the tubby tot carries his revolutionary message wherever he goes.

Jamal Suleiman

A mainstay of the Syrian drama scene, Jamal Suleiman has also been an outspoken critic of the Assad regime. Rumored to be on the president’s “most wanted” list, his parents home was recently ransacked by Syrian army soldiers, presumably looking to flush out the revolutionary star.

Abed Fahed

Following in the footsteps of Hollywood’s favorite sexy do-gooder, Angelina Jolie, Syrian star, Abed Fahed, decided in December to swap celebrity glamor for humanitarian action as he pitched up in Zaatari refugee camp. With some time to kill between movies, Abed got busy fighting for the rights of his fellow countrymen.

Fadl Shaker

Lebanese superstar, Fadl Shaker, used to best known for his hit songs and good looks. But recently Fadl has been hitting headlines for his part in the Syrian struggle. The singer has been spotted at anti-Assad protests in Beirut and rumor has it he’s currently fighting with the FSA in Syria.

FSA Model

Syria’s opposition has unleashed the big guns in its bid to overthrow President Assad in the form of one ‘ridiculously photogenic’ rebel. The FSA’s weapon of mass seduction is using his chiseled jaw and sexy pout to win hearts (and democracy).

Hamza Ali al-Khateeb

The world was in shock when images surfaced of Hamza Ali al-Khateeb’s bruised and mutilated body. The 13-year-old - who is said to have been tortured to death by Syrian authorities following a protest in Dera’a - has become the face of the uprising and a symbol of Assad’s brutal crackdown

Lens Young Homsi

While photojournalists from around the world struggle to get close to the horrific scenes of the Syrian conflict, since May 2012 a group of talented young activists in Homs have been offering an insight into the uprising. Lens Young Homsi’s photos of the war around them have caught the attention of the world.

Ali Farzat

Syrian cartoonist, Ali Farzat, was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine last year. In syria, he continues to support the uprising with anti-regime cartoons. The influential artist has said: "I was born to be a cartoonist, to oppose, to have differences with regimes that do these bad things.”

Abdulrazaq Tlass

Women everywhere had been swooning over 25-year-old rebel commander, Abdulrazaq Tlass, for months as he posed with designer stubble and thoughtful gaze. So it came as a shock when he was caught “skype-cheating” on his wife. The Farouk Brigade’s poster boy, of course, claimed the video was a regime fabrication.

Jalal al Tweel

Putting his fame to good use, heartthrob of the small screen, Jalal al Tweel, took to the streets to join the protests in December 2011. However, he didn’t bank on the Syrian police who had other ideas about a well known star in the ranks of the demonstrators and tortured him before he could get home.

Yasin Bakoush
Khaled Taja
Omar
Jamal Suleiman
Abed Fahed
Fadl Shaker
FSA Model
Hamza Ali al-Khateeb
Lens Young Homsi
Ali Farzat
Abdulrazaq Tlass
Jalal al Tweel
Yasin Bakoush
Comic legend, Yasin Bakoush, was killed last month when a regime missile hit his car as he was driving through a Damascus neighborhood. A video showing 75-year-old’s body being pulled from the wreckage by FSA soldiers confirmed his death. The loss of one of Syria’s most cherished stars has hit the country hard.
Khaled Taja
As news of acting great, Khaled Taja’s, death emerged last year, rumors of foul play began to circulate. Despite a prolonged battle with cancer, Syrian activists were determined to use the soap star as their poster boy, claiming he was tortured to death by regime soldiers.
Omar
When photos of a chubby toddler called Omar surfaced on popular opposition Facebook page, The New Syria, the doe-eyed youth became known to many as the hopeful face of the uprising. From giving the ‘peace sign’ to having a bubble bath, the tubby tot carries his revolutionary message wherever he goes.
Jamal Suleiman
A mainstay of the Syrian drama scene, Jamal Suleiman has also been an outspoken critic of the Assad regime. Rumored to be on the president’s “most wanted” list, his parents home was recently ransacked by Syrian army soldiers, presumably looking to flush out the revolutionary star.
Abed Fahed
Following in the footsteps of Hollywood’s favorite sexy do-gooder, Angelina Jolie, Syrian star, Abed Fahed, decided in December to swap celebrity glamor for humanitarian action as he pitched up in Zaatari refugee camp. With some time to kill between movies, Abed got busy fighting for the rights of his fellow countrymen.
Fadl Shaker
Lebanese superstar, Fadl Shaker, used to best known for his hit songs and good looks. But recently Fadl has been hitting headlines for his part in the Syrian struggle. The singer has been spotted at anti-Assad protests in Beirut and rumor has it he’s currently fighting with the FSA in Syria.
FSA Model
Syria’s opposition has unleashed the big guns in its bid to overthrow President Assad in the form of one ‘ridiculously photogenic’ rebel. The FSA’s weapon of mass seduction is using his chiseled jaw and sexy pout to win hearts (and democracy).
Hamza Ali al-Khateeb
The world was in shock when images surfaced of Hamza Ali al-Khateeb’s bruised and mutilated body. The 13-year-old - who is said to have been tortured to death by Syrian authorities following a protest in Dera’a - has become the face of the uprising and a symbol of Assad’s brutal crackdown
Lens Young Homsi
While photojournalists from around the world struggle to get close to the horrific scenes of the Syrian conflict, since May 2012 a group of talented young activists in Homs have been offering an insight into the uprising. Lens Young Homsi’s photos of the war around them have caught the attention of the world.
Ali Farzat
Syrian cartoonist, Ali Farzat, was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine last year. In syria, he continues to support the uprising with anti-regime cartoons. The influential artist has said: "I was born to be a cartoonist, to oppose, to have differences with regimes that do these bad things.”
Abdulrazaq Tlass
Women everywhere had been swooning over 25-year-old rebel commander, Abdulrazaq Tlass, for months as he posed with designer stubble and thoughtful gaze. So it came as a shock when he was caught “skype-cheating” on his wife. The Farouk Brigade’s poster boy, of course, claimed the video was a regime fabrication.
Jalal al Tweel
Putting his fame to good use, heartthrob of the small screen, Jalal al Tweel, took to the streets to join the protests in December 2011. However, he didn’t bank on the Syrian police who had other ideas about a well known star in the ranks of the demonstrators and tortured him before he could get home.
Tags:Bashar Al Assad

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