Layla M. - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Layla M.

Layla M. is a writer in Damascus.

Smokes rises from the Qaboun area during clashes between the Syrian Free Army and Syrian army forces in Damascus October 10, 2012. REUTERS/Omar Khani (SYRIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS)

One Thing Syrians Agree On: Sense of Collective Loss

Firefighters stand among debris after bombs exploded in a school building in Damascus September 25, 2012 in this handout photograph released by Syria's national news agency SANA. Bombs planted by rebels exploded at the school building occupied by security forces and pro-government militias in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Tuesday, activists and rebels said. REUTERS/SANA (SYRIA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEE

Bomb Shatters Sense of Normalcy: Report From Damascus

A cashier counts Syrian currency notes in Amman December 6, 2011. Jordanian money changers said on Tuesday demand on the Syrian pound has plummeted since unprecedented Arab economic sanctions against Damascus, and its exchange rate against the dollar has slipped on the black market by at least 7 percent to nearly 57 pounds. REUTERS/Ali Jarekji (JORDAN - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS)

Syrian People's Wallets, Psyches Damaged by Civil Strife

A Syrian woman carries her daughter as their family are about to cross back into Syria at the Turkish Cilvegozu border, opposite the Syrian commercial crossing point Bab al-Hawa, in Reyhanli, Hatay province, July 25, 2012. The Syrian family of five travelling back to Syria said they prefer risking death in their home country rather than stay in Turkey. Turkey has closed its border gates with Syria to commercial traffic due to worsening security conditions but will keep them open for refugees fleeing the Syr

Syrian Conflict Strains Bonds Of Families and Lovers

Demonstrators hold poster of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad at Kfr Suseh area in Damascus August 3, 2012. Picture taken August 3, 2012. REUTERS/Shaam News Network/Handout (SYRIA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

For Many Assad Supporters, Other Paths Appear Riskier

Layla M. Midan, Damascus, Syria

Has Assad Won The First Round In The Battle For Damascus?

In Syria, Ramadan Bustle Eclipsed by Plans to Escape

Free Syrian Army members, with covered faces and holding weapons, sit by the side of a street in Qaboun district, Damascus June 11, 2012. REUTERS/Stringer (SYRIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS MILITARY)

Damascus Spring?