Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();The dawn of the new millennium certainly ushered in a new era in Syria. The late Hafez al-Assad who had ruled the country ruthlessly for more than three decades had passed away. And his [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); 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 [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); 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 [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();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 [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();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 [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();Before 2000, the regime had total control over what was being published and broadcast in Syria. With the spread of satellite channels and later the Internet, journalists and ordinary citizens found a limited space [...]

Twittern(function() { var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true; po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();Today, Damascus is a thriving, yet divided city. A small elite of nouveaux riches enjoy life to the fullest, drive the latest car models, shop in fancy fashion stores and dine in expensive restaurants. [...]