Rania Abouzeid is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Undergunned and Overwhelmed

30 Mar 2012  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  International Relations

The article details the struggles of Syrian rebels, particularly those associated with the Free Syrian Army (FSA), to secure ammunition and weapons amidst the Syrian Civil War. It highlights the interactions between Syrian rebels and Turkish arms dealers, the fluctuating prices of ammunition, and the challenges of clandestine operations near the Turkish-Syrian border. The piece also touches on the international community's hesitance to arm the rebels, the internal discord within the Syrian opposition, and the frustration of fighters on the ground. The narrative follows specific individuals like Fouad, a Syrian arms supplier, and Abu Mohammad, a Turkish weapons dealer, as well as FSA officers who express their desperation for support and the difficulties in coordinating efforts from a refugee camp in Turkey. The article paints a picture of a fragmented opposition, a black market drying up, and the dire need for resources to continue the fight against the Assad regime.

Tags:

Maher Nuami Bashar al-Assad Fouad Abu Mohammad Recep Tayyip Erdogan Saud al-Faisal Riad al-Asaad Ahmad Hijazi Alaaeddine Ahmad Mokbat Mehmet Mazin Abdel-Salim

I am a radio journalist based in Dakar, Senegal. After a career as a PR officer with various humanitarian organizations (most notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Jordan), I switched to radio journalism in 2018. I graduated from my journalism school in Grenoble, France in 2020. That ...

Ivory Coast: Syrians in Côte d'Ivoire Hope for Reconciliation in Their Country

10 Dec 2024  |  fr.allafrica.com  |  French  |  Diaspora

Syrians living in Côte d'Ivoire, including Maher, Ahmad, and Georges, express hope for peace and reconciliation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Despite the official count of 164 Syrian refugees, the community is believed to be larger, particularly in Abidjan's Marcory district. Ahmad, who left Deir Ezzor in 2013, desires a just government and unity among Syrians, regardless of religion or political views. The ongoing conflict and desire for peace are central themes, with the diaspora closely monitoring developments from afar.

Tags:

Maher Bashar al-Assad Ahmad Georges

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

I’m a journalist based in Beirut covering Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Available for lives, both video and audio. I specialise in covering humanitarian and refugee issues.

Sacks of chemicals, plastic fruit … and millions of pills: inside a Damascus Captagon factory

16 Dec 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Drug Smuggling

A Captagon factory on the outskirts of Damascus was uncovered by rebels, revealing the extent of Syria's involvement in the drug trade. The Assad regime, along with Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias, is accused of mass-producing and exporting Captagon, a drug that has caused addiction and crime in neighboring countries. The factory, allegedly owned by Amer Khiti, a former MP with ties to the regime, was found with millions of pills and precursor chemicals. The discovery highlights the ongoing challenges in curbing the drug trade and its socio-economic impact on the region.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Amer Khiti Abu Hamzeh

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Sara Creta is an Italian multimedia-journalist, specializing in coverage of humanitarian issues worldwide. With an emphasis on stories that dignify the human struggle, she works closely with NGOs and social service groups to document on-the-ground conditions in forced migration situation, human ...

The Great Drug Trafficking of the 'Fighter': From the Syrian Regime to the Friend of Italian Clans

01 Oct 2023  |  www.editorialedomani.it  |  Italian  |  Middle East Politics

In the summer of 2020, Italian authorities seized 84 million Captagon pills in Salerno, marking one of the largest drug busts in history. The investigation revealed an intricate network involving the Syrian regime, Italian mafia, and Libyan intermediaries. The Captagon, a potent amphetamine, is produced in Syria and trafficked globally, with significant involvement from high-ranking officials and criminal organizations. The article highlights the roles of key figures like Bashar Al-Assad, Maher Al-Assad, and Alberto Eros Amato, and underscores the international implications of this illicit trade.

Tags:

Mudar Al-Assad Maher Al-Assad Bashar Al-Assad Alberto Eros Amato Taher Al-Kayali Giuseppe Borelli Domenico Napolitano Ali Ahmed Beinein Muammar Gaddafi Muatassim Gaddafi Khalifa Haftar

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Borzou Daragahi is a longtime foreign correspondent now working full-time for The Independent. He covers Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and the Arabian Peninsula as well as the Balkans and global issues such as public health, international crime and security ...

Southern Syria beset by drug smuggling, Isis and crackdowns by Assad forces

02 Jan 2023  |  The Independent  |  English  |  Violence

Southern Syria is experiencing escalating violence, political repression, and drug smuggling, undermining a Russian-brokered settlement intended to end conflict between Assad's forces and rebels. Protests have resurfaced in Daraa province, with demonstrators facing violent crackdowns. The region's instability is exacerbated by the presence of Iranian-backed militias, narco-traffickers, and Isis remnants. The Assad regime, supported by Iran and Russia, is losing control, leading to increased lawlessness and economic hardship for civilians. The situation poses broader security risks for neighboring Israel and Jordan, and could destabilize northern Syria.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Mete Sohtaoglu Navvar Saban Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi Abu Louay al-Qalamuni

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Matteo Fagotto is a journalist based between Milano (Italy) and Barcelona (Spain).

His works have been published on more than one hundred news outlets around the world, including TIME, Newsweek, The Guardian, The Independent, The South China Morning Post, GQ, Wired, Vanity Fair and Marie Claire. ...

Syrians try to rebuild their lives in a welcoming but unfamiliar country

01 Mar 2014  |  The Caravan  |  English  |  Asylum Seekers

Syrian refugees in Sweden face significant challenges in integrating into their new environment despite the country's welcoming policies. Many, like Salah Debas, struggle with unemployment and adapting to a different society. Sweden's policy grants permanent residence and citizenship to Syrian asylum seekers, but the integration process is slow, with many educated refugees taking menial jobs. The influx of refugees has also led to political tensions, with the far-right Sweden Democrats gaining support. Despite these challenges, some, like Kamal Rifai, have successfully integrated and offer hope and advice to new arrivals.

Tags:

Bashar al-Assad Maher al-Assad Salah Debas Elias Kasgawa Lena Schroeder Giwara Veronika Lindstrand Kant Johan Nylander Kamal Rifai

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

I am a Canadian journalist and analyst focused on the Caucasus, Russia, Ukraine and Syria. From 2014 to 2017, I served as Senior Intelligence Analyst at The SecDev Group. I write extensively on conflict, politics and international relations and have reported on the ground during the 2020 Armenia-...

Putin Has a New Secret Weapon in Syria: Chechens

04 May 2017  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Middle East Politics

The Russian intervention in Syria, led by President Vladimir Putin, has seen significant success, particularly with the deployment of Chechen and Ingush commandos from Russia's North Caucasus region. These units, drawn from elite Spetnaz formations, have taken on various roles, including manning checkpoints, distributing aid, and coordinating defense with regime forces. Their deployment marks a strategic shift, allowing Russia to project power at a reduced political cost and manage battlefield casualties more discreetly. The use of Sunni Muslim troops from the North Caucasus also aims to build better relations with the Syrian populace. The growing role of these brigades highlights Russia's intent to wield greater influence in Syria, despite occasional tensions with its Syrian and Iranian allies. The deployment of private military contractors like Wagner further bolsters Russia's ground strength in the region.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Vladimir Putin Mark Galeotti Apti Bolotkhanov Gregory Shvedov Ramzan Kadyrov Dmitry Utkin

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Freelance journalist covering war and humanitarian situations in Syria. Experienced collaborator with media agencies including Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Middle East Eye, and other media outlets.

‘Won’t back down’: Druze Syrian town gathers after regime kills protester

01 Mar 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

Syrian regime forces killed a protester, Jawad al-Barouki, in Sweida, sparking increased discontent and protests against President Bashar al-Assad. Activists demand the overthrow of the Assad regime, improved living conditions, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Druze community mourned al-Barouki as a martyr, emphasizing the need for peaceful protests. Suspicious attacks in Sweida raised concerns about the regime provoking armed confrontation. Activists call for international support to stop crimes against Syrians.

Tags:

Maher Bashar al-Assad Jawad al-Barouki Anana Hassan Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri Omar Edlbi

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Multimedia journalist based in Erbil covering Iraq and Syria.

‘Death and destruction all over’: Ghouta residents brave intense fighting to stay

22 Mar 2018  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

Thousands of Syrians have fled Eastern Ghouta as government forces advance, while others, like Um Ahmad, choose to stay in rebel-held areas despite intense fighting and dire conditions. The conflict has resulted in over 1,500 deaths and significant infrastructure damage. Rebel groups, including Jaish al-Islam, continue to resist, although government forces have made significant gains. Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating, with many residents facing a choice between risking death by staying or potential detention by fleeing to government-controlled areas. The government's success in Ghouta is part of a broader strategy to reassert control over Syria.

Tags:

Bashar al-Assad Maher al-Ghoutani Um Ahmad Safwan Alo Sara Kayyali Ammar Waqqaf

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Iraq bureau chief for Agence France-Presse (AFP) since June 2014. Previously based in Nairobi, Cairo, Jerusalem, Nicosia, Boston. French and British national, born in 1977.

Captagon Connection: How Syria Became A Narco State

09 Nov 2022  |  www.barrons.com  |  English  |  Middle East

Syria has become the world's latest narco state, with the illegal Captagon trade estimated at $10 billion, surpassing the country's legal exports. The Assad regime, along with various enemies, are propped up by this industry. Captagon, an amphetamine, is primarily consumed in the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, and is produced in Syria, accounting for 80% of the global supply. The trade involves a network of warlords, profiteers, and groups like Hezbollah. Maher al-Assad, President Assad's brother, is implicated as a major beneficiary. Despite efforts to combat the trade, corruption and political connections facilitate its growth, with fears that it will become an even larger part of the economies of Syria and Lebanon.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Rami Abdel Rahman Abu Walid Ezza Hassan Dekko Amer Khiti

Informative

Factuality Scale

Andrei Popoviciu is an independent investigative journalist, reporter, audio-visual producer and photographer covering human rights, security, migration, international development and foreign affairs stories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is currently based in Dakar, Senegal but has ...

UN continues contracting companies linked to Assad in Syria

17 Mar 2024  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Transparency in UN contracting

The article discusses the United Nations' procurement practices in Syria, highlighting that the UN continues to contract companies with links to Bashar al-Assad's regime. In 2020, UN agencies spent over $240 million on goods and services in Syria, with the World Food Programme being the largest spender. The FDD's report by David Adesnik revealed significant expenditures at the Four Seasons Damascus, owned by individuals close to Assad. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency and the potential redirection of aid to Assad's government. The article also mentions the use of security companies with ties to Assad and the withholding of supplier information in procurement reports. Natasha Hall from CSIS and Ian Larson from COAR provided insights into the issues of contracting with human rights violators and the need for greater transparency and accountability in UN operations in Syria.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad David Adesnik Ian Larson Samer Foz Hashim Anwar al-Aqqad Natasha Hall

An award-winning multimedia correspondent who has reported from North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and his native Britain for more than a decade. Strong editorial judgment and leadership skills with the ability to grasp and distill complex issues with ease and lead digital and broadcast ...

The Syrian war crime suspects who could be brought to justice

14 Jul 2017  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  International Justice

The article discusses the widespread allegations of war crimes committed during Syria's civil war and the conflict in Iraq, highlighting the challenges of bringing perpetrators to justice due to political obstacles and lack of jurisdiction by the International Criminal Court. Despite these challenges, efforts continue, with the UN appointing Catherine Marchi-Uhel to lead the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) to gather evidence for future prosecutions. Key figures such as Bashar al-Assad, Maher al-Assad, and Ali Mamlouk are identified as potential indictees. The article also covers the roles of various organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in documenting atrocities.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Ali Mamlouk Abdelfattah Qudsiyeh Muhammad Mahmud Mahalla Jamil Hassan Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Catherine Marchi-Uhel Balkees Jarrah Mohammad al-Abdallah Stephen Rapp

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

Revenge and Unease Shadow Effort to Restore Order

11 Dec 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Middle East Politics

The article reports on the aftermath of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, highlighting the challenges of restoring order amid calls for retribution. It details the life and death of Mazen al-Hamada, a Syrian activist who exposed the regime's abuses, and the return of exiled residents to Aleppo. The piece also covers the ongoing conflict between Kurdish forces and Turkey-backed groups, emphasizing the complex geopolitical dynamics involving the U.S., Turkey, and the Kurds. The new Syrian leadership faces significant hurdles in maintaining security and stability, with fears of sectarian violence and economic challenges looming large.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Mazen al-Hamada Mouaz Moustafa Sakir Khader Omar Abu Layla Khaled Al Haj Saleh Amar Sabir Basil al-Hassan Ali Siraaj Ali Zuhair Khateeb Abdulhadi Ghazal Muhammad al-Bashir Mazlum Kobani John Kirby Gen. Michael E. Kurilla Fadel Abdul Ghany Ali Mamlouk Kifah Moulhem Bassam al-Hassan Roger D. Carstens Kash Patel Brett McGurk Imad Moustapha Karine Jean-Pierre

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Kim Willsher is an award winning journalist based in Paris, France, writing for The Guardian, The Observer and the Los Angeles Times.

French court issues arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad for complicity in war crimes

15 Nov 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Syrian Civil War

A French court has issued international arrest warrants for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and three others, including his brother Maher, for complicity in war crimes linked to chemical weapon attacks on civilians in 2013. This marks the first time a sitting head of state has been subject to an arrest warrant in another country for crimes against humanity. The investigation, initiated by civil complaints from several organizations, underscores a significant judicial precedent and a step towards justice for victims. The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, has seen extensive use of chemical weapons, predominantly by the Assad regime, according to various reports and expert analyses.

Tags:

Maher al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Gen Ghassan Abbas Gen Bassam al-Hassan Mazen Darwish Steve Kostas Hadi al-Khatib Barack Obama David Cameron

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

A freelance journalist with MA degree in Digital Journalism, collaborating with various institution and media companies in Lebanon and abroad. I have a passion for writing untold stories.

Aleppo: How did it go from being the locomotive of the Syrian economy to a bankrupt city?

25 Dec 2024  |  arabic.euronews.com  |  Arabic  |  War in Syria

Aleppo, once a major economic hub in Syria, has been devastated by the ongoing conflict, with significant economic losses and infrastructure damage. The article highlights accusations against Turkey for allegedly exploiting the situation by relocating factories and resources from Aleppo to Turkey. Despite denials from Turkey, the Syrian government has pursued legal actions against Turkish officials. The article also notes the potential for future economic opportunities in Syria, particularly with Turkish investment, as the region seeks to recover from the extensive damage.

Tags:

Maher Hourik Bashar al-Assad Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Murat Özvardar Abdul Hakim al-Masri

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View