This Week in Northern Syria just passed the 3,000 free subscriber mark… thank you all for your interest and continued support. In celebration of this I am currently offering a special 30% discount on a one year paid subscription, meaning just one payment of $35 for full access to the weekly newsletter. The offer is available through September 12th.
Meanwhile this is a new type of post I’m experimenting with in which I share anything I come across that seems interesting and somewhat relevant to the newsletter or to Syria in general. I envision it being an open ended mix of links to articles and podcasts, embedded photographs, maps and charts, as well as the occasional short essay or book review. Any feedback or suggestions on the format is welcome.
Discussions
Haian Dukhan speaks to Amberin Zaman on the historical context of the al-Suwayda’ crisis, and tribal mobilization, and the new government’s developing tribal policy.
Haid Haid on the very incomplete state of pro-government militia integration, Turkish and Israeli policy, and the government’s avoidance of the word “democracy.”
Nabih Bulos on post-Asad Syria, Lebanon, and regional developments.
MERIP hosted panel discussion on al-Suwayda’ and the topic of sectarianism in Syria
Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi speaks on al-Suwayda’ and the new government’s performance over the first half year of its rule.
Articles
‘We were tricked’: Loubna Mrie on the Syrian Alawites, LRB (08/14/25)
A Way Out of Syria’s Deadlock: Can Syria Heal Without Acknowledging Its Divisions?, Mustafa Haid, Al-Jumhuriya (06/17/25)
New Age Salafism: Syria’s embrace of obedience over jihad, Syria in Transition (Aug 2025)
Syria is secretly reshaping its economy. The president’s brother is in charge., Timour Azhari and Feras Dalatey, Reuters (07/24/25)
Rethinking Subsidies in the Post-Assad Era, Karam Shaar Advisory LTD (07/28/25)
Syrian Studies Association Bulletin (Volume 29, No. 1 - 2025)
Gargari’s map of al-Suwayda’ and eastern Dar‘a demographics
(useful reference for the linked Haian Dukhan interview above)
Family tree of Christianity in Syria
excluding the Armenian Apostolic (Oriental Orthodox), Armenian Catholic (Eastern Catholic), and Latin Catholic churches
Raqqah’s Qal‘at Ja’bar in 1926
Great format, it’s nice to find podcasts grouped in one spot, thanks !
Fascinating links, hope you continue with this new format