In December, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces advanced on Damascus. Shortly thereafter, French TV news channel BFMTV sought the insights of cartoonist Riad Sattouf regarding the rapid developments in Syria.
Mr. Sattouf, a prominent literary figure in France, is known for his graphic memoir series, “The Arab of the Future,” which chronicles his childhood experiences split between the Middle East and France, as well as the dissolution of his parents' marriage. The series, spanning six volumes, has sold over three million copies and has been translated into approximately 23 languages.
During his TV appearance, Mr. Sattouf described the fall of al-Assad as a moment of “immense hope” for Syria, but expressed concern about the potential for another dictatorship to emerge. He emphasized his pessimistic outlook on the future of the region.
Mr. Sattouf's work is influenced by American cartoonist Robert Crumb and aligns with other notable graphic novels that explore significant historical events, such as Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” and Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis.” He previously contributed to Charlie Hebdo until shortly before the magazine's offices were attacked in January 2015.
In “The Arab of the Future,” Mr. Sattouf presents a nuanced portrayal of his father, who transitioned from a rural village in Syria to earning a doctorate in Paris, while also depicting his father's growing bitterness towards the West and support for authoritarian regimes.
His vivid recollections of childhood in Ter Maaleh during Hafez al-Assad's dictatorship reveal a microcosm of societal struggles and violence. Critics have noted his unflinching honesty about his experiences in Syria, placing him among a group of French public figures of Arab descent who openly critique their heritage.
Despite the potential backlash faced by others in similar positions, Mr. Sattouf has maintained a positive reception in the French media and has not encountered significant opposition from Islamist groups. He attributes this to the quality of his work.
In a recent interview, Mr. Sattouf clarified that while his books focus on Syria, they primarily reflect his personal memories and experiences as a child. He has not returned to Syria since leaving at the age of 12.
Mr. Sattouf expressed concern over the French political landscape's past embrace of al-Assad, noting a sense of vindication as the regime's atrocities have been revealed. He acknowledged the complexity of his narrative and its potential impact on perceptions of Syria.
In addition to his graphic memoirs, Mr. Sattouf has directed feature films and recently released a new series, “I, Fadi, the Stolen Brother,” based on his brother's experiences. The first four volumes of “The Arab of the Future” have been translated into English, with plans for further publications.
As a sought-after commentator on the Syrian situation, Mr. Sattouf has emphasized the need for international support to establish democratic elections in a post-conflict Syria. He expressed a desire to return to Syria only in a peaceful and democratic context, viewing such a scenario as a distant possibility.