Syria
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Syria's missing detainees"We did not expect so few had survived"
The search for the missing is seen by many Syrians as crucial to rebuilding the nation. Mazin al-Balkhi of the International Commission on Missing Persons warns that the scale and arbitrary nature of the killings under Assad pose major challenges.
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Christians in SyriaFear lingers in an ancient community
In the predominantly Christian town of Maaloula, residents hold differing views on al-Sharaa and the safety of their community in the new Syria. For many, memories of the 2013 Nusra Front attack remain—and mistrust runs deep.
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Jan Dost on writing in Arabic and Kurdish"Like being caught between two magnets"
"Safe Corridor" is Jan Dost's first novel translated into English. The prolific Syrian writer explores the hardening impact of war on children and discusses the key differences between writing in Kurdish and Arabic.
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Sectarian massacre on Syrian coast"I am the sole survivor of my family"
Survivors of the violence unleashed in Syrian coastal cities in early March tell Qantara their stories. Warning: the testimonies contain details of the indiscriminate killings of Alawite civilians and may be disturbing.
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TV series "Muawiya"Historical Ramadan drama fuels controversy
The Saudi-produced television series “Muawiya” emerged as a talking point during Ramadan, sparking debate throughout the Middle East. Both Iran and Iraq have banned the show which charts the life of one of the most controversial figures in Islamic history.
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Syria's economic recoveryHTS must reject Assad-era neoliberalism
Syrians are facing immense economic challenges—an unstable currency, shortages and a soaring cost of living—while the transitional government doubles down on Assad's neoliberal policies. True recovery demands a new approach.
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Women in SyriaCrafting independence
In Syria, women are reclaiming their independence through creative initiatives, from traditional crafts to community workshops. Four stories of perseverance and hope.
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Syria after AssadA future built on citizenship and freedom
Syria's new leadership has not made a clear enough commitment to civil liberties. An inclusive understanding of citizenship, rooted in the history of Arab national movements, is needed to ensure that the goals of the 2011 uprising are not lost from view.
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Women's rights in SyriaToo early for confidence
At the end of February, the highly anticipated National Dialogue Conference took place in Damascus. Did the meeting meet expectations? Karim El-Gawhary talked to women's rights activists on the ground before and after the event.
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Forensic expert in Syria"Opening the graves is not a priority"
In Syria, families of those who disappeared under Assad are desperate for answers. But before bodies can be identified, countless files, photos and videos must be gathered. "There is a bureaucracy of the dead," says forensic scientist Luis Fondebrider.
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Syrian architects' group Syrbanism"For a just reconstruction, the people must have a voice"
Since 2017, Syrbanism has been connecting architects and urbanists across the Syrian diaspora. In the wake of Assad's fall, founders Edwar Hanna and Nour Harastani travelled to Damascus to work on their vision of a democratic reconstruction.
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Turkey and post-Assad SyriaBound together by fate, history and migration
Turkey’s close ties to the new Syrian regime have reignited fierce debates at home. In Syria, Turkey sees a reflection of its own deep divisions—Islamist vs. secular, Alawite vs. Sunni, Turkish vs. Kurdish.