Refugees in France hit by reality of returning home to post-Assad Syria

France’s Syrian community is anxiously watching developments in Syria despite the initial euphoria triggered by the fall of Bashar Al Assad as uncertainties remain over how rebels will rule from Damascus. “I was on a cloud for a few days, but now reality has smacked me in the face,” said Rudi Osman, 37, who fled to France in 2012 and obtained political asylum. It is no longer the threat of arrest and torture from the Assad regime that is keeping Mr Osman from his homeland. Travelling back, even if it was only intended to be briefly to meet relatives or friends, could mean choosing between his birthplace and the country where he has rebuilt his life over the last decade.