Authoritarianism
When Art and Archaeology Turn Political
New Lines contributor Olivia Snaije and contributing editor Lydia Wilson speak to Faisal Al Yafai about recent articles they wrote exploring how the Middle East’s ancient heritage continues to shape modern politics — and how the story of a nation depends on who’s telling it.
Dictators and Hijacked Heritage
Both Saddam and Assad recognized the value of their countries’ archaeological heritage and adapted it to suit their interpretations of what they thought the Baath Socialist Party should be.
Technology is Handing Power Back to Autocrats
New technologies are allowing activists to document Syrian war crimes and even topple dictators. But from Iran to Tunisia to Israel to Russia, nation-states are reasserting their power. If cutting-edge digital tools have given activists new weapons, they have, at the same time, allowed governments to acquire entirely new — and secretive — digital arsenals.
In Cracking Jokes, a Satire Publication Takes Aim at Authoritarians’ Grip
Satire won’t change anyone’s mind, but it might get someone sitting on the fence to consider another perspective. Satire won’t topple thrones, but it will unsettle their occupants. It won’t change rules on freedom of speech (except maybe in the wrong direction), but it will remind people what freedom of speech looks like.
When Assad’s End Comes
For fifty years, just one family has ruled Syria. But even that rule, long and brutal though it is, will have an end, and a new Syrian story can begin.
Present at the Creation of the Syrian Revolution
Studying Arabic in Syria gave one student a first-hand perspective on the tensions and grievances of living in the country. But he could never have predicted how rapidly early protests would give way to a civil war.