Fleeing My Homeland
It used to be that every time I rode the bus, I would daydream and drift off, focusing on anything but the streets of...
Syrian Christians Recount Islamic State Raid, Abductions
“We woke at around four in the morning to the sound of bombs and we ran from our houses,” said Elias Touma, who survived...
Syria’s Displaced Told to Leave Ancient Site
Local council wants to protect archeological treasure in Idlib province from further destruction. By Ahmad al-Akla (Hass – Idlib suburbs) People in north western...
Keeping the Faith in Syria’s Rebels
One woman’s continued support for revolutionaries in the Syrian city of Idlib. For those who know her personally, Um Mohammed personifies sobriety, dedication and...
Searching For My Lost Father
My mother refused to surrender to the fact of my father’s disappearance. She refused to submit, tightened her grip on her wounded heart and...
Kobani Victory Celebrated in Aleppo
Syrian Kurdish forces in Aleppo have celebrated the defeat of Islamic State (IS) in Kobani. Kurdish forces regained control of Kobani on January 26....
Refugees Concerned at New Turkish Residence Rules
Omar Yusuf (Gaziantep – Syria) Tighter border restrictions affecting Syrians crossing in and out of Turkey are making life difficult for those who have fled...
Syrians Welcome Efforts to Protect Children in Conflict
A new initiative is helping to support children’s development amid brutal civil war. Vyan Mohammad (Qamishli – Syria) As Syria’s children continue to endure...
Living on the Edge
I have lived with my family in Idlib, which is under regime control, since March 2012. Although we’re against the regime, we have chosen...
Islamic State Crackdown in Syria’s Deir al-Zor
City residents complain about enforcement of strict rules on dress and everyday conduct. Mohammad al-Dairi (Deir al-Zor – Syria) Residents of the city of Deir al-Zor...
A Shopping Trip in Raqqa
Perils that face women just going about their business in an Islamic State stronghold. By Haya Mohammed After several days of discussion and debate,...
Local Council to Make Canal Flow Again
Farmers in the village of Al-Khareeta are set to profit from new project, while some see further benefits too. Ahmad al-Bouleily (Deir al-Zor –...
Escape From Raqqa
Last September 15, there was a knock at our door. I was initially overjoyed to see my friend after so much, until I saw...
Friends Divided By the Syrian Uprising
Two men brought together by their passion for football have taken opposing sides in the armed conflict. Mustapha al-Jalal (Kfar Nabel –...
Our Neighbours’ House
Reflections on a childhood in the Syrian city of Raqqa, now under the control of Islamic State. Haya Mohammad We spent the best...
Busking in Gaziantep
Ahmad, a refugee from the Syrian city of Aleppo, plays the flute in the streets of the Turkish city in an effort to make...
