I visited the destroyed suburbs of Damascus - Jobar, the Ghouta, Harasta, Arbeen, Douma and Yarmouk. Nothing prepares you for the extent of the devastation - it goes on for miles, while the centre of the city seems untouched. If Syrians are to return home the sanctions must be lifted so that people can rebuild. Without that the future looks grim. These pictures of from Yarmouk camp, once known as 'the capital of the Palestinian diaspora'.

Today is the first Eid in over half a century without the Assad regime. The first Eid in 14 years without bombs and killing. The first Eid in 18 years that I am spending with my family in Damascus and can visit the graves of my relatives. Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating.

First time the Kurdish New Year is celebrated in central Damascus Newroz Pîroz Be 💚

Celebrations in Deraa on the 14th anniversary of the Syrian revolution for freedom and dignity.

The end of the fairy tale On recent events in Syria

Qunfuz

The End of the Fairy Tale

An edited version of this piece was published at UnHerd. I disagree with the headline there – Syria Can’t Escape War – though at ...

SNHR: 803 Individuals Extrajudicially Killed Between March 6-10, 2025 https://snhr.org/blog/2025/03/11/803-individuals-extrajudicially-killed-between-march-6-10-2025/

Horrific reports of massacres against civilians coming out of Syria past couple of days. Those responsible must be held accountable.

the Guardian

Syrian security forces execute 125 civilians in battle against Assad loyalists

Battle in Latakia is marked escalation by Bashar al-Assad loyalists against Syria’s new Islamist-led government

What Was It That Came to an End in Syria? Four Elements of Assadism by Yassin al-Haj Saleh https://aljumhuriya.net/en/2025/02/27/what-was-it-that-came-to-an-end-in-syria/

Syrians will always stand with Ukraine 💚

Preparing to break the fast in Gaza on the first day of Ramadan