Syrians Ambivalent over Obama Victory
Friday, November 07, 2008
In Damascus, the prevailing reaction to Barack Obama’s victory as the next president of the United States is markedly ambivalent, if reservedly hopeful. Discussions here about the U.S. elections tend to revolve around the end of the current administration, more than faith in the next. As the world exploded into unprecidented celebration for the victory of a US president, Syrians were saying, “Inshallah, he will be better than the last guy.”
I wrote about Syrians’ response to Obama’s victory for New America Media.
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Iraqi refugees won’t go home, even for money
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Iraqi government has offered money and plane tickets to Iraqi refugees in Damascus who wishing to return, but most of Syria’s estimated 1 million refugees still believe it is too risky to go home. I covered this story from Damascus for New American media and Aljazeera.net.
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Middle East Hit by US Financial Crisis
Thursday, October 09, 2008 - published by New America Media
Even oil-rich Arab countries, which until recently were smug about being insulated from the financial debacle on Wall Street, are starting to worry. Analysts are predicting that they are sure to increase regulations and start pulling their economies away from the United States.
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In pictures: Damascus celebrates Eid
Saturday, October 04, 2008
This week, Muslims across the world celebrated the end of the fasting month of Ramadan in the three day holiday of Eid al-Fitr. In Damascus, Syria, the celebration sheds light on the complex interplay of religion, secularism, and creeping outside influence that challenges religious and cultural norms. Carnivals pop up across the city, young boys roam the streets with toy guns bought with gift money from their relatives, and dance parties—where the attendants are Muslims and Christians—enliven the night within the walls of the 7,000-year-old city center.
To view images of Damascus’ Eid celebrations, click “read full entry” below.
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Check here for articles, photos, and additional writing. Shane's blogs on the Middle East are published by New America Media .
