Latest from Sami Moubayed
A Change at a Damascus School Has Syrians Reading the Runes
A hundred years after its founding, the elite, secular Laique school in Damascus has decided to separate boys and girls for the first time. Syrians are asking what that means for the school, and the future of Syria.
How Shukri al-Quwatli’s Memoir Changes Our View of Syria’s History
Syria's presidents have been jailed, shot and exiled. Only one has left a memoir, and that has only recently been published. Its editor explains how Shukri al-Quwatli’s account changes what we know about Syria and Churchill, King Faisal and early Zionist leaders.
After a Century, the Question of the Kurds’ Place in Syria Remains Unresolved
Since the end of the Ottoman era a century ago, the question of the Kurds’ place in Syria has been shaped by a complex history of integration, separatism, oppression and struggle. It suggests that the recent deal between the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus may prove to be fragile.
A Firsthand Account of the Liberation of Damascus
The Assad regime purposely withdrew from Damascus hours before the arrival of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. They wanted Damascus to be looted and torched. Yet this did not happen, and those now in charge of the country have been keeping order and reopening businesses and schools, as Syria begins to move forward.
The Eva Perón of Afghanistan
Standing next to the king was his wife, Queen Soraya Tarzi, who was to Amanullah what Khadijah was to the prophet. As her husband finished his speech, the queen smiled and looked at the king with pride and affection as she gently tore off her veil, sending shockwaves throughout Afghan society.