Life has a way of delivering plot twists that no screenwriter could top. Last year, Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s president of 24 years, paid a visit to China’s Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. In a rare display of piety, he made a public prayer for the “happiness of the Syrian people.” It was all very solemn. Monks chanted, incense burned, and cameras clicked.
Fast forward to 2024 — his wish has been granted. Syrians might actually be happier now, but only because he’s no longer in charge.
After weathering 13 years of civil war, US airstrikes, Russian “support,” sanctions, and everything in between, Assad’s reign came to an abrupt end. No grand battles. No iconic final showdown. One moment he was the president, the next he was reportedly sipping tea in Moscow. People couldn’t help but connect the dots. “Assad prayed for happiness, and the Buddha delivered,” one internet user joked. Another added, “The Buddha doesn’t miss, but he sure has a sense of humour.”
The irony was so sharp, it practically went viral. After all, how often do you see a world leader accidentally pray for his own downfall? The lesson here? If you ever visit a Buddhist temple, be very specific about your wishes. Ask for “happiness, but not at my own expense” — and maybe double-check the fine print on karma.
