It Started in Damascus : How the Long Syrian Revolution Reshaped Our World.
Description
Rime ALAF. It Started in Damascus : How the Long Syrian Revolution Reshaped Our World. La Vergne : C. Hurst and Company (Publishers) Limited, 2025. Online resource, e-book.
Syrians have longed for the ordinary life that eluded them for decades.When President Bashar Assad was unexpectedly overthrown in December 2024, they celebrated the end of a dictatorial dynasty.But as they strive for post-Assad justice, they must grapple with the legacy of a fight for freedom that started many years earlier. For decades, Syrians longed for an ordinary life. When Bashar Assad was unexpectedly toppled in December 2024, they celebrated the fall of a dynastic dictatorship. But as they strive for post-Assad justice, they must grapple with the legacy of a freedom fight begun many years before.When Hafez Assad’s violent rule ended in 2000, many believed his son heralded change; but Bashar betrayed those hopes. When Syrians finally rose up in 2011, they were mercilessly crushed by his regime—backed by Russia and Iran—and abandoned by the Western powers claiming to support them. Now, with a new power in Damascus, can the people forge the Syria they’ve dreamed of for a quarter-century? Rime Allaf, Damascene herself, narrates a struggle for dignity that has shaken the world. With expert analysis, poignant storytelling and a deep personal connection with the region, she paints an intimate portrait of a devastated society, and of a resilient people determined to find peace.
Syrians have longed for the ordinary life that eluded them for decades.When President Bashar Assad was unexpectedly overthrown in December 2024, they celebrated the end of a dictatorial dynasty.But as they strive for post-Assad justice, they must grapple with the legacy of a fight for freedom that started many years earlier. For decades, Syrians longed for an ordinary life. When Bashar Assad was unexpectedly toppled in December 2024, they celebrated the fall of a dynastic dictatorship. But as they strive for post-Assad justice, they must grapple with the legacy of a freedom fight begun many years before.When Hafez Assad’s violent rule ended in 2000, many believed his son heralded change; but Bashar betrayed those hopes. When Syrians finally rose up in 2011, they were mercilessly crushed by his regime—backed by Russia and Iran—and abandoned by the Western powers claiming to support them. Now, with a new power in Damascus, can the people forge the Syria they’ve dreamed of for a quarter-century? Rime Allaf, Damascene herself, narrates a struggle for dignity that has shaken the world. With expert analysis, poignant storytelling and a deep personal connection with the region, she paints an intimate portrait of a devastated society, and of a resilient people determined to find peace.