The Thieves’ Market: Surreal Life in Syria
By Mariam Abdullah* (Damascus, Syria) – The famous thieves’ market in Damascus, adjacent to the public administration office of the Ministry of Interior, was...
Is the Revolution Imposing the Veil?
Mai, 28, works as a project management trainer from Damascus at a pro-opposition cultural organization in Eastern Ghouta. She does not walk on the...
Noura al-Amir: From Solitary Confinement to the National Coalition
Yasmine Maree (Gaziantep, Turkey) – Syrian activist Noura al-Amir, 26, recalls the demonstrations of early 2011 in which she participated. “‘Oh Sniper Sniper…here are...
Aleppans complain of armed groups
Citizens of Aleppo who live in opposition-controlled parts of the city complain that armed groups in the city are not organized, which is a...
Syrian Civil Society Takes Root in Lebanon
By Malath al-Zoubi (Beirut, Lebanon) – Hundreds of thousands of Syrians are living in Lebanon today–refugees fleeing the armed conflict at home, activists who...
Activists in Aleppo countryside prefer arming the opposition over military intervention
Ayman Mohammed Talk has been circulating about the possibility of Western countries, and specifically the United States, staging a military operation against the Syrian...
The Sharia Council in Aleppo attempts to fill the legal and security void
The Sharia Council in Aleppo was formed by several Islamist groups in the opposition-controlled part of the city and has taken over security and...
Jarablos: From Syrian city to Islamic Emirate
Youssef Shaikho To an observer of Syrian affairs, the city of Jarablos in the governorate of Aleppo, seems to be among the most calm...
Banning Bicycles on the Streets of Damascus
Damascenes don’t bike for sport or leisure, but primarily for transportation. During the past three years, the suffocating daily traffic on the streets of...
Social Media Monitor: Activists Refuse “Incitement” against Syrian Refugees in Egypt
During the recent events in Egypt that the led to the ousting of President Mohammad Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood opponents have accused Syrian refugees of...
A conversation with Abu Ali Khibbiyeh, Douma Shield Battalions Commander: “Entering Medan was a big mistake.”
Razan Zeitouneh There are many stories about Abu Ali Khibbiyeh. He is frequently reported to be dead, although these reports have turned out to...
A Discussion in Gaziantep about the Future of Syria
Piroz Perik Surour Sheikhmous, 33, a Syrian activist, has made a habit of stopping by the Center for Civil Society and Democracy in Syria...
Zabadani’s Trees Victims of Bombing and Siege
The City of Zabadani was once the most prolific producer of apples, pears, peaches, and cherries in Syria. At one time, Zabadani’s farmers exported...
Alawite Families in Homs “Between the Fire of the Opposition and the Fire of the Regime”
Rahif Ghanem* Note: The editorial team changed some names to ensure interviewees’ security (Homs, Syria) – Hanan, 34, was drinking coffee over the melodies...
Syrian Regime Takes Aim at Opposition Employees
Salem Nassif (Damascus, Syria) – The Syrian regime has retaliated against many public employees who support the opposition by dismissing them from their jobs...
Opinions on Moaz al-Khatib’s Initiative from Idlib province
In May, the former head of the Syrian National Coalition proposed an initiative to end the conflict in Syria. It included allowing President Bashar...
