How Hasan Ali was forced to become a sex worker after reaching Europe

I Don’t Want Revolution, I Want Peace

This is the story of Hassan Ali, a young Syrian barely 15 years old, who finds his future darkened by the wars inflicted upon his homeland by global powers. Like many Syrian youth, he dreams of a better life and seeks refuge in Europe. But luck doesn’t favor him — he barely reaches Greece. Still hopeful, he eagerly tries to learn the language and find a decent job. He even applies for residency, but Athens offers little support for the influx of young refugees. Most nights, he sleeps in parks, often hungry.

One day, an older tourist offers him food and new clothes. Grateful, Hassan follows, only to find that the man expects something in return — his body. Hassan initially refuses, but he's told that without compliance, there will be no food. Desperate, he yields, and soon, it becomes a regular exchange every few days.

While some of his friends fall into drug trafficking, Hassan sees this as a lesser evil. A year passes, and he looks back, questioning his decision to leave Syria. Were these his dreams? Did he come to Europe for this? Alone, with no one to wipe his tears, he feels abandoned. All anyone wants is his smile, but not the pain behind it. He longs for Syria, his homeland, yet knows he can’t return. He’s lost so much and lacks the courage to go back. Trapped, he grows weary of life and, some days, contemplates death.

Hassan cautions young Syrians against leaving for Europe, though he struggles to convey his own experiences. He urges them to face the conflict, support their government, and discourage rebellion. He pleads for peace in their homeland so future generations won’t face the humiliations he has endured. “You don’t need revolution,” he tells them, “you need peace.”

 

Sectarianism is a major factor in Syria’s turmoil, manipulated by global powers who backed various religious factions in the name of revolution, fueling a rebellion against the government. While these powers have their imperialistic agendas, it’s the Syrian people who are suffering. Syria is led by Bashar al-Assad, a Shia in a nation where Shia Muslims are a mere 13%, while Sunni Muslims make up nearly 70%. Iran supports Assad’s government, while Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel, and the United States back Sunni rebels. At one point, the rebels were close to victory, but Russia turned the tide in favor of Assad’s government. This civil war has claimed nearly 400,000 lives, and peace remains elusive. Iraq and Libya have suffered similar fates.

This is why we must avoid supporting sectarianism or nationalist movements that divide us. Regardless of our government’s flaws, our situation is still far better than those in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Palestine. Considering the global situation, Pakistanis should stand by their government and military, and boycott all sectarian and nationalist parties.

If there is peace, there is a nation; and if there is a nation, there is everything.