3 stories for 2026-03-20 · Political repression, arbitrary detention & extrajudicial violence · Syria
A Syrian visual artist has published an illustrated book titled "In the School of Dictatorship" that documents experiences of Syrians, particularly children, during years of authoritarian rule and conflict. The work combines investigative journalism, visual narrative, and personal testimony to preserve accounts that may otherwise be lost.
Ahmad al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Golani, has taken power by force in Syria. His trajectory raises questions and scrutiny, with observers noting his transformation from a jihadist fighter to a pragmatic state actor. Analysis of his rise examines power struggles and relationships that shaped the Syrian civil war.
Syrian authorities released 600 detainees held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government. The release followed a meeting between Syrian officials and SDF leadership aimed at arranging the release of additional detainees and coordinating the integration of SDF forces into Syrian state institutions.