SMN No. 6, July 28, 2010 The whole world has raved about the accurate predictions of Paul the Octopus regarding July’s World Cup matches - but could he foresee the future of Syria? This question was raised ironically by one Syrian blogger who “asked” the Octopus to envisage the effect of the current Syrian economic plan on the lives of […]

As the largest ethnic minority in Syria, Kurds were hoping in 2000 that their political, social and cultural rights would be finally recognised under the new president. But the past ten years proved to be disappointing. Despite being a repressed minority in Syria, Syrian Kurds over the last ten years have become more vocal in asserting their political, social and […]

As the largest ethnic minority in Syria, Kurds were hoping in 2000 that their political, social and cultural rights would be finally recognised under the new president. But the past ten years proved to be disappointing. Despite being a repressed minority in Syria, Syrian Kurds over the last ten years have become more vocal in asserting their political, social and […]

Under Bashar al-Assad, Syrian society has undergone significant change. In addition to Islam’s growing influence, there is a widened gulf between the classes. While the staunchly secular authorities are becoming wary of the growing religiosity and fight it with determination, the state’s capacity to provide social welfare for the growing number of poor seems weak. Every year, Damascus, like the […]

SMN No. 6, July 25, 2010 A popular Syrian blog has raised in recent weeks the question of the growing trend of Syrian youth emigration. In a July 8 post, the Nsamat Al-Sham, or the Breezes of Damascus, blog lamented the fact that youngsters are travelling abroad to pursue their dreams and flee a difficult economic situation. The blog said […]

SMN No. 6, July 23, 2010 A group of Kurds from Syria and elsewhere have launched a Facebook campaign to call on Arab satellite TV channels to stop airing a Turkish drama accused of racist content against Kurds. The series, called “the good land”, which is broadcast on the Saudi-owned MBC dubbed in Arabic, is said to portray Kurdish rebel […]

SMN No. 6, July 22, 2010 The Syrian education ministry has decided to prevent Niqab-wearing women students from attending both public and private universities in the country. This comes weeks after it sacked 1200 state school teachers for wearing veils that cover their entire faces (Social Media News No. 5) Both decisions have sparked a heated debate over the internet […]

Social Media News No. 6, July 21, 2010 A new Facebook group has been set up to urge the Lebanese authorities not to deport an exiled Syrian dissident living in Beirut. The group, called “Stop the extradition of Maamoun Al-Homsi to Syria”, attracted 160 supporters overnight.“ Because Beirut is the capital of freedoms and creativity in the East, and because […]

Ten years after Bashar al-Assad ascended to power, oppression might not be as violent as during the dark years of his father’s rule. People are more vocal and there are less prisoners of conscience. But disregard for human rights and the absence of a real political life continue. In a widely circulated article written shortly after the death of the […]

It was a tough act to follow: Hafez al-Assad was known to be a savvy head of state. He was able to sustain good relations with important Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt and play on their differences. Where does Syria stand internationally ten years later, after a decade of Bashar al-Assad’s rule? The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, embarked […]