Russia presses soft power in Syria by restoring Palmyra, Apamea - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Khaled al-Khateb

Khaled al-Khateb

Jun 25, 2021

This picture shows a view of the Great Colonnade at the Greco-Roman ruins of the ancient city of Apamea, close to the town of Qalaat al-Madiq, after it was taken by government forces, Syria, May 17, 2019. — This picture shows a view of the Great Colonnade at the Greco-Roman ruins of the ancient city of Apamea, close to the town of Qalaat al-Madiq, after it was taken by government forces, Syria, May 17, 2019. — George Ourfalian/AFP via Getty Images

Russian army soldiers patrol the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on May 5, 2016.

Russia gains foothold in Syria’s Palmyra through archaeological restoration

Mohammed Hardan

Mohammed Hardan

The Arc of Triumph in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, circa 1880.

Russia begins restoration of Arc of Triumph in Syria's Palmyra

Khaled al-Khateb

Khaled al-Khateb

A Russian army soldier patrols the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on May 5, 2016.

Russia's new twist in Syria policy: Restore archaeological sites

Sultan al-Kanj

A general view shows the historic city of Palmyra, in Homs Governorate in this file handout picture provided by SANA on March 27, 2016. REUTERS/SANA/Handout via Reuters/Files ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RTSD10L

UNESCO steps in to protect what's left of Syria's Palmyra

Tamer Osman