Another Blaze Engulfs Market in Old Damascus
Iqtissad (independent economic magazine)
May 16, 2016
State-run media silent after another fire rips through market in the capital’s historic old city
State-run media silent after another fire rips through market in the capital’s historic old city
Rebel military sources claim Moscow is communicating directly with armed groups in Homs in an attempt to lure factions into entering dubious truces and sow suspicion among the opposition
It would be naïve for Washington to imagine that the Arabs, including those in the GCC and their leaders, are unable to read and comprehend the changing realities
More than 100 artillery and rocket shells fired on the western border city in less than half an hour, activists report
Analysts claim Sunday’s unprecedented drop in the pound’s value is an indication that the country’s foreign reserves are almost depleted
Revolutionary Guard warns against “psychological warfare” as Iran suffers largest death toll since sending forces to support the Assad regime in Syria
Syrian president receives top Iranian diplomat in Damascus to discuss ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries
It did not take long for the US to prove it was not a ‘friend of the Syrian people’ – if it ever was – but rather became a neutral actor at best
It is known to skeptics that the Alawite is controlled by a necessity or destiny he cannot help, and is haunted by it if he budges one iota from it. While the necessity of class opens a place for one who “betrays his class,” the necessity of sectarianism has ruled out the presence of an Alawite who “betrays his sect”
Syrian activists accuse Tehran of deliberately starting fire in UNESCO-listed site in an attempt to force out locals from around the Umayyad Mosque
“Progress” in Damascus’ position following its acceptance of a “political transition” with its talk of forming an “expanded government”, in contrast to the HNC’s rigidity in clinging to the formation of a “transitional body” as the starting point for a political transition
Missing Alawite dissident was a threat to the Assad regime due to his popularity and efforts to push forward a political solution, wife tells Zaman al-Wasl
Assad continues to target civilians, block humanitarian access, and refuse the release of detainees, says senior Republican senator
Iranian negotiators independently reach deal with commanders of major rebel alliance to secure the exit of 250 people from the towns of Kefraya and Fua
Truce between warring parties ends in practice while political opposition calls for suspension to the peace talks in Geneva
Moscow backs Damascus’ calls for a ‘national government’ at the Geneva talks as Russian media attempts to portray pro-regime figures as legitimate opposition
Tehran’s decision to send more troops in defense of Assad’s home town has coincided with an increase in Iranian casualties, including 23 soldiers this month alone
What is happening in northern Syria seems to lead one to say that the truce, if it has not collapsed, is at least on its last breaths
“Aleppo: The Rise and Fall of Syria’s Great Merchant City,” Philip Mansel, 238 pages, I.B. Tauris, London, 2016
Head of Iran’s cultural heritage organization says Tehran ready to assist in the conservation and restoration of Syria’s damaged and endangered historical icons
