5 stories for 2026-03-20 · 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.
The Israeli military conducted airstrikes against targets belonging to the Syrian government in southern Syria, according to reports. The strikes followed attacks on Druze civilians.
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.
Years after separation from Hula due to a massacre, the town is establishing a collective memory initiative to document the events. However, Hula now faces potential disappearance, raising difficult questions for descendants of the massacre's victims regarding the fate of their ancestors' remains.
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.