Layla M. Layla M. is a writer in Damascus. Syria | Oct 11, 2012 One Thing Syrians Agree On: Sense of Collective Loss Layla M. writes that the only sentiment shared by Syrians is one of collective loss — of both a secure past and a meaningful future. The general feeling on the streets of Damascus is that the current system of governance is crumbling under the weight of civil war and economic sanctions. Syria | Oct 4, 2012 Bomb Shatters Sense of Normalcy: Report From Damascus Syrians have learned to anticipate bad things, writes Layla M. for Al-Monitor. A massive explosion hit the regime’s military headquarters last month, shattering a short-lived sense of normalcy and bringing back to Damascus a sense of anxiety and dread. Syria | Sep 4, 2012 Syrian People's Wallets, Psyches Damaged by Civil Strife The recent intensification of violence in Syria’s two main cities has practically brought commerce to a standstill. Business owners aren’t seeing the profits to inject back into the market; meanwhile, the protracted and dangerous state of Syria’s unrelenting crisis has made those with cash anxious to save it, further freezing economic conditions. Syria | Aug 19, 2012 Syrian Conflict Strains Bonds Of Families and Lovers One deeply distressing consequence of the Syrian crisis is the increasing number of families breaking up over support for either the FSA or the regime. Divisions emerge in the city and country, among the rich and poor, and few are even aware of the extent to which their lives are affected by national and international geo-politics. Syria | Aug 5, 2012 For Many Assad Supporters, Other Paths Appear Riskier Syrians opposed to Assad’s rule often get more media attention, but a visit to Damascus shows that a sizeable — and perhaps decisive — part of the population supports, or at least doesn’t resist, his remaining in power. Some even blame parents who bring their children to protests — to “get shot and killed” — for fueling violence. Syria | Jul 24, 2012 Has Assad Won The First Round In The Battle For Damascus? The Syrian opposition scored a big victory last week with the assassination of members of Assad's inner circle, but the gains quickly slipped through their fingers in the face of the regime's overwhelming might. Layla M. goes to crucial Damascus neighborhoods in the battle, where she talks to city residents. Syria | Jul 21, 2012 In Syria, Ramadan Bustle Eclipsed by Plans to Escape The start of Ramadan in Damascus usually sees Syrians wishing family and friends well as they scurry between shops buying supplies for the sunset meal which breaks the fast, writes Layla M. from the Syrian capitol. But this Ramadan, most of the activity on the street is at protests and funerals as Damascenes flee neighborhoods under siege. Syria | Jul 18, 2012 Damascus Spring? Layla M., on the ground in Damascus, reports that amid sporadic artillery fire and power outages, with helicopters whirring overhead, residents verged on jubilation. But the city was a ghost town Wednesday night, hopes tempered by fears ranging from economic paralysis to chemical weapons. Latest News Mideast enters new era with Israel strikes on Iran by Shaun TANDON | AFP | Apr 19, 2024 Palestinian officials say two killed in West Bank raid Agence France-Presse | AFP | Apr 19, 2024 Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza by Ionut IORDACHESCU | AFP | Apr 19, 2024 See more Podcasts Palestinian UN membership struck down as US casts fourth veto Dispatch from Lebanon: We hear Israeli planes on daily basis Iran established deterrence against Israel proving through its actions it could do more harm, says academic Hassan Ahmadian See more
Syria | Oct 11, 2012 One Thing Syrians Agree On: Sense of Collective Loss Layla M. writes that the only sentiment shared by Syrians is one of collective loss — of both a secure past and a meaningful future. The general feeling on the streets of Damascus is that the current system of governance is crumbling under the weight of civil war and economic sanctions.
Syria | Oct 4, 2012 Bomb Shatters Sense of Normalcy: Report From Damascus Syrians have learned to anticipate bad things, writes Layla M. for Al-Monitor. A massive explosion hit the regime’s military headquarters last month, shattering a short-lived sense of normalcy and bringing back to Damascus a sense of anxiety and dread.
Syria | Sep 4, 2012 Syrian People's Wallets, Psyches Damaged by Civil Strife The recent intensification of violence in Syria’s two main cities has practically brought commerce to a standstill. Business owners aren’t seeing the profits to inject back into the market; meanwhile, the protracted and dangerous state of Syria’s unrelenting crisis has made those with cash anxious to save it, further freezing economic conditions.
Syria | Aug 19, 2012 Syrian Conflict Strains Bonds Of Families and Lovers One deeply distressing consequence of the Syrian crisis is the increasing number of families breaking up over support for either the FSA or the regime. Divisions emerge in the city and country, among the rich and poor, and few are even aware of the extent to which their lives are affected by national and international geo-politics.
Syria | Aug 5, 2012 For Many Assad Supporters, Other Paths Appear Riskier Syrians opposed to Assad’s rule often get more media attention, but a visit to Damascus shows that a sizeable — and perhaps decisive — part of the population supports, or at least doesn’t resist, his remaining in power. Some even blame parents who bring their children to protests — to “get shot and killed” — for fueling violence.
Syria | Jul 24, 2012 Has Assad Won The First Round In The Battle For Damascus? The Syrian opposition scored a big victory last week with the assassination of members of Assad's inner circle, but the gains quickly slipped through their fingers in the face of the regime's overwhelming might. Layla M. goes to crucial Damascus neighborhoods in the battle, where she talks to city residents.
Syria | Jul 21, 2012 In Syria, Ramadan Bustle Eclipsed by Plans to Escape The start of Ramadan in Damascus usually sees Syrians wishing family and friends well as they scurry between shops buying supplies for the sunset meal which breaks the fast, writes Layla M. from the Syrian capitol. But this Ramadan, most of the activity on the street is at protests and funerals as Damascenes flee neighborhoods under siege.
Syria | Jul 18, 2012 Damascus Spring? Layla M., on the ground in Damascus, reports that amid sporadic artillery fire and power outages, with helicopters whirring overhead, residents verged on jubilation. But the city was a ghost town Wednesday night, hopes tempered by fears ranging from economic paralysis to chemical weapons.
Iran established deterrence against Israel proving through its actions it could do more harm, says academic Hassan Ahmadian
