Syria Notes
@syrianotes.bsky.social
Informing UK policy debates on Syria. Focused on human rights and accountability.
Web: https://www.syrianotes.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SyriaNotes/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/@syrianotes5908
Web: https://www.syrianotes.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SyriaNotes/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/@syrianotes5908
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Syria Notes
@syrianotes.bsky.social
· Jun 1
Syria Notes
Freedom’s price Syria Notes no. 30, spring 2025. On the 8th of December, Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, ...
www.syrianotes.org
Aid cuts hit Syrian independent media just as they are most needed
We talked to Ahmad Primo of Verify Syria, Yara Bader of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, Kholoud Helmi of Enab Baladi, and Camilla Bruun Randrup of International Media Support.
www.syrianotes.org/2025/05/free...
We talked to Ahmad Primo of Verify Syria, Yara Bader of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, Kholoud Helmi of Enab Baladi, and Camilla Bruun Randrup of International Media Support.
www.syrianotes.org/2025/05/free...
‘A black legal hole’: Europe criticised for leaving young citizens trapped in Syria
@sallyhayd.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/middle...
@sallyhayd.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/middle...
‘A black legal hole’: Europe criticised for leaving young citizens trapped in Syria
Western countries accused of washing their hands of their own citizens held in Syria
www.irishtimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
‘A black legal hole’: Europe criticised for leaving young citizens trapped in Syria
@sallyhayd.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/middle...
@sallyhayd.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/world/middle...
Syria’s new currency unveiled
The new banknotes include six denominations, each featuring goods Syria is known for producing.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
The new banknotes include six denominations, each featuring goods Syria is known for producing.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Al-Sharaa and Husrieh unveil Syria’s new currency - Enab Baladi
Syrian transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husrieh unveiled Syria’s new currency, which includes six denominations, during […]
english.enabbaladi.net
December 30, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Syria’s new currency unveiled
The new banknotes include six denominations, each featuring goods Syria is known for producing.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
The new banknotes include six denominations, each featuring goods Syria is known for producing.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
The Cover-Up: Inside the plot to conceal Assad’s crimes
Under Assad’s rule, more than 100,000 people disappeared, according to the UN, more than in any other regime since the Nazis.
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/w...
Under Assad’s rule, more than 100,000 people disappeared, according to the UN, more than in any other regime since the Nazis.
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/w...
The Cover-Up: Inside the Plot to Conceal Assad’s Crimes
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:14 PM
The Cover-Up: Inside the plot to conceal Assad’s crimes
Under Assad’s rule, more than 100,000 people disappeared, according to the UN, more than in any other regime since the Nazis.
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/w...
Under Assad’s rule, more than 100,000 people disappeared, according to the UN, more than in any other regime since the Nazis.
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/w...
Facing Alawite backlash, Syria’s new leaders take controversial steps to win loyalty
New government offers amnesty and aid to Alawites to mend ties, but the effort involves controversial figures, aid is limited, and distrust and insecurity remain.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
New government offers amnesty and aid to Alawites to mend ties, but the effort involves controversial figures, aid is limited, and distrust and insecurity remain.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Facing Alawite backlash, Syria’s new leaders take controversial steps to win loyalty
A program that offers amnesty and aid to Alawites has been met with suspicion by many in the minority. There is also broader anger among Syrians because the effort includes people who were part of Bas...
www.reuters.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Facing Alawite backlash, Syria’s new leaders take controversial steps to win loyalty
New government offers amnesty and aid to Alawites to mend ties, but the effort involves controversial figures, aid is limited, and distrust and insecurity remain.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
New government offers amnesty and aid to Alawites to mend ties, but the effort involves controversial figures, aid is limited, and distrust and insecurity remain.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Syrian individuals and entities on British sanctions lists... What are the messages?
Enab Baladi article on UK sanctions against organisations and individuals involved in violence against civilians in Syria which were announced earlier this month.
www.enabbaladi.net/789738/
Enab Baladi article on UK sanctions against organisations and individuals involved in violence against civilians in Syria which were announced earlier this month.
www.enabbaladi.net/789738/
أفراد وكيانات سورية على لوائح العقوبات البريطانية.. ما الرسائل؟
عنب بلدي - أمير حقوق وسط استمرار الحراك الدولي المرتبط بالملف السوري، ولا سيما فيما يتعلق بملفات حقوق الإنسان والانتهاكات المرتكبة بحق المدنيين، عادت وسط استمرار الحراك الدولي المرتبط بالملف السوري، و...
www.enabbaladi.net
December 28, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Syrian individuals and entities on British sanctions lists... What are the messages?
Enab Baladi article on UK sanctions against organisations and individuals involved in violence against civilians in Syria which were announced earlier this month.
www.enabbaladi.net/789738/
Enab Baladi article on UK sanctions against organisations and individuals involved in violence against civilians in Syria which were announced earlier this month.
www.enabbaladi.net/789738/
Three dead, dozens injured in Syria during clashes between Alawites and counterdemonstrators
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/syri...
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/syri...
3 dead, dozens injured in Syria during clashes between Alawites and counterdemonstrators
At least three people have been killed and dozens wounded in clashes on Syria’s coast. Health officials said that the violence erupted Sunday between Alawite protesters and counterdemonstrators.
apnews.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Three dead, dozens injured in Syria during clashes between Alawites and counterdemonstrators
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/syri...
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/syri...
Return of Syrian refugees has twofold impact on Turkish labour market and service infrastructure, alleviating pressure on sectors with increasing competition for jobs, but revealing gaps in economic sectors that have relied for years on Syrian labour.
— Al Jazeera
www.aljazeera.net/news/2025/12...
— Al Jazeera
www.aljazeera.net/news/2025/12...
ماذا تغير في تركيا بعد عام من بدء عودة السوريين إلى بلادهم؟
أثرت عودة آلاف السوريين خلال عام على ميزان بعض القطاعات التركية، فرغم أنها خفّفت الضغط على الخدمات في مدن كبرى إلا أنها أحدث نقصًا في عمالة قطاعات صناعية، وهو ما دفع لتغيير الخطاب السياسي الحزبي.
www.aljazeera.net
December 27, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Return of Syrian refugees has twofold impact on Turkish labour market and service infrastructure, alleviating pressure on sectors with increasing competition for jobs, but revealing gaps in economic sectors that have relied for years on Syrian labour.
— Al Jazeera
www.aljazeera.net/news/2025/12...
— Al Jazeera
www.aljazeera.net/news/2025/12...
A bomb at an Alawite mosque in Homs killed at least eight people and injured twenty-one.
The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna group claimed responsibility for the bombing.
The same group claimed responsibility for a Damascus church bombing in June.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-e...
The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna group claimed responsibility for the bombing.
The same group claimed responsibility for a Damascus church bombing in June.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-e...
Syria: Eight killed in explosion at Alawite mosque in Homs
An explosive device detonating inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque has killed at least eight people, with the death toll expected to rise.
www.newarab.com
December 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
A bomb at an Alawite mosque in Homs killed at least eight people and injured twenty-one.
The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna group claimed responsibility for the bombing.
The same group claimed responsibility for a Damascus church bombing in June.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-e...
The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna group claimed responsibility for the bombing.
The same group claimed responsibility for a Damascus church bombing in June.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/syria-e...
Jordan has carried out airstrikes on a number of sites reportedly belonging to drug smugglers in the Druze-majority Syrian province of Suweida, which is outside government control.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/jordan-...
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/jordan-...
Jordan launches airstrikes against smugglers in Syria’s Suweida
Jordan has carried out airstrikes on a number of sites reportedly belonging to drug smugglers in Syria’s Suweida province, which is outside government control
www.newarab.com
December 26, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Jordan has carried out airstrikes on a number of sites reportedly belonging to drug smugglers in the Druze-majority Syrian province of Suweida, which is outside government control.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/jordan-...
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/jordan-...
Reposted by Syria Notes
New story with updates on our ongoing project examining the fates of 55 of Assad's most brutal enforcers: luxury lives in Moscow and Dubai, sure, but also properties in Spain, small apartments in Damascus, and some stuck on tourist visas. And one arrest. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/w...
Assad’s Enforcers Brutalized Syria. Now They’re Living Large, Lying Low and Evading Justice.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:32 PM
New story with updates on our ongoing project examining the fates of 55 of Assad's most brutal enforcers: luxury lives in Moscow and Dubai, sure, but also properties in Spain, small apartments in Damascus, and some stuck on tourist visas. And one arrest. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/w...
Displacement continues from neighborhoods in Aleppo following clashes
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Toll of shelling by SDF/Asayish forces rose to four people killed, nine injured
Earlier: SDF shelling leaves dead and wounded in Aleppo
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Toll of shelling by SDF/Asayish forces rose to four people killed, nine injured
Earlier: SDF shelling leaves dead and wounded in Aleppo
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
SDF Shelling Leaves Dead and Wounded in Aleppo - Enab Baladi
Two civilians were killed and seven others injured in artillery shelling that Enab Baladi’s correspondent in Aleppo attributed to the […]
english.enabbaladi.net
December 24, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Displacement continues from neighborhoods in Aleppo following clashes
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Toll of shelling by SDF/Asayish forces rose to four people killed, nine injured
Earlier: SDF shelling leaves dead and wounded in Aleppo
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Toll of shelling by SDF/Asayish forces rose to four people killed, nine injured
Earlier: SDF shelling leaves dead and wounded in Aleppo
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
How Israeli covert activities in Syria seek to thwart its new government
@washingtonpost.com
Former Israeli official tells of tapping “20 men with military experience, dishing out ranks and tasks… to work on what was called the Military Council” in Sweida.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
@washingtonpost.com
Former Israeli official tells of tapping “20 men with military experience, dishing out ranks and tasks… to work on what was called the Military Council” in Sweida.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
How Israeli covert activities in Syria seek to thwart its new government
Israel is suspicious of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a longtime Islamist militant, and has provided weapons, intelligence and cash to militiamen at odds with his rule.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:14 AM
How Israeli covert activities in Syria seek to thwart its new government
@washingtonpost.com
Former Israeli official tells of tapping “20 men with military experience, dishing out ranks and tasks… to work on what was called the Military Council” in Sweida.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
@washingtonpost.com
Former Israeli official tells of tapping “20 men with military experience, dishing out ranks and tasks… to work on what was called the Military Council” in Sweida.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Reposted by Syria Notes
The proposed reforms to the asylum system will have a disproportionate impact on people with protected characteristics - like women and the LGBTQ+ community.
We're extremely thankful to Kirsty Blackman MP for securing a Westminster Hall Debate this morning analysing this disproportionate harm.
1/🧵
We're extremely thankful to Kirsty Blackman MP for securing a Westminster Hall Debate this morning analysing this disproportionate harm.
1/🧵
December 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
The proposed reforms to the asylum system will have a disproportionate impact on people with protected characteristics - like women and the LGBTQ+ community.
We're extremely thankful to Kirsty Blackman MP for securing a Westminster Hall Debate this morning analysing this disproportionate harm.
1/🧵
We're extremely thankful to Kirsty Blackman MP for securing a Westminster Hall Debate this morning analysing this disproportionate harm.
1/🧵
Survivors, lawyers and families of Syria’s disappeared file historic complaint in Argentina against Assad
The complaint focuses on crimes against humanity of enforced disappearance, with a particular emphasis on the systematic disappearance of children.
— SLDP
sldp.ngo/en/blog/2867
The complaint focuses on crimes against humanity of enforced disappearance, with a particular emphasis on the systematic disappearance of children.
— SLDP
sldp.ngo/en/blog/2867
Survivors, lawyers and families of Syria’s disappeared file historic complaint in Argentina against Assad - SLDP
Survivors, lawyers and families of Syria’s disappeared file historic complaint in Argentina against Assad
sldp.ngo
December 17, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Survivors, lawyers and families of Syria’s disappeared file historic complaint in Argentina against Assad
The complaint focuses on crimes against humanity of enforced disappearance, with a particular emphasis on the systematic disappearance of children.
— SLDP
sldp.ngo/en/blog/2867
The complaint focuses on crimes against humanity of enforced disappearance, with a particular emphasis on the systematic disappearance of children.
— SLDP
sldp.ngo/en/blog/2867
Druze poet and political activist Anwar Fawzat Al-Shaer was killed Sunday night by unknown assailants in Syria’s Suweida province.
It is believed that 48-year-old was killed due to his criticism of local militias which control the province.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/druze-p...
It is believed that 48-year-old was killed due to his criticism of local militias which control the province.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/druze-p...
Druze poet killed in Syria’s Suweida after criticising militias
A Druze poet and activist who has previously criticised local separatist militias has been shot dead in the east of Syria’s Suweida province
www.newarab.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Druze poet and political activist Anwar Fawzat Al-Shaer was killed Sunday night by unknown assailants in Syria’s Suweida province.
It is believed that 48-year-old was killed due to his criticism of local militias which control the province.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/druze-p...
It is believed that 48-year-old was killed due to his criticism of local militias which control the province.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/druze-p...
Reposted by Syria Notes
Eiad Charbaji's case has raised a lot of big questions among Syrians on free speech, on what constitutes inciting language and what does not, on what type of language we see prosecuted and what is not, and on what it means to use Assad-era laws for these prosecutions.
December 14, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Eiad Charbaji's case has raised a lot of big questions among Syrians on free speech, on what constitutes inciting language and what does not, on what type of language we see prosecuted and what is not, and on what it means to use Assad-era laws for these prosecutions.
Reposted by Syria Notes
Syrian journalist Eiad Charbaji (a US citizen) has been taken into custody in Syria in a case brought against him for comments about the generation that grew up in Idlib during the war.
He is being accused of "inciting sectarian and ethnic strife" under the 2022 cybercrime law.
He is being accused of "inciting sectarian and ethnic strife" under the 2022 cybercrime law.
December 14, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Syrian journalist Eiad Charbaji (a US citizen) has been taken into custody in Syria in a case brought against him for comments about the generation that grew up in Idlib during the war.
He is being accused of "inciting sectarian and ethnic strife" under the 2022 cybercrime law.
He is being accused of "inciting sectarian and ethnic strife" under the 2022 cybercrime law.
Reposted by Syria Notes
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from Idlib in northern Syria, was shot twice while confronting the attacker at Bondi Beach but managed to grab the shotgun off him and aimed it at the shooter as he retreated.
Praise for Syrian-Australian man who tackled Bondi Beach shooter
Sydney businessman Ahmed al-Ahmed was left in hospital after being shot by the Bondi Beach gunman
www.middleeasteye.net
December 14, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from Idlib in northern Syria, was shot twice while confronting the attacker at Bondi Beach but managed to grab the shotgun off him and aimed it at the shooter as he retreated.
On “Gaza” chants made during a military parade in Damascus, and Israeli responses.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787967/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787967/
هتافات غزة.. رسائل دمشق في مواجهة التصعيد الإسرائيلي
عنب بلدي - عمر علاء الدين "غزة غزة.. غزة شعار.. ليل ونهار.. طالعلك يا عدوي طالع"، هذه الهتافات التي تعتبر موروثًا شعبيًا فلسطينيًا خرجت من دمشق، ليس من الحكومة السورية توجه رسائل إلى إسرائيل التي تستم...
www.enabbaladi.net
December 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM
On “Gaza” chants made during a military parade in Damascus, and Israeli responses.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787967/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787967/
Reposted by Syria Notes
#Syria A thread🧵 about the ISIS attack in Palmyra, from what I've learned from my local sources in Palmyra combined with information from local media:
December 14, 2025 at 11:28 AM
#Syria A thread🧵 about the ISIS attack in Palmyra, from what I've learned from my local sources in Palmyra combined with information from local media:
Syria and France have called on Lebanon to arrest former Syrian Air Force Intelligence chief Jamil Hassan, believed to be on Lebanese soil.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syria and France call on Lebanon to arrest Jamil Hassan - Enab Baladi
Syria and France have called on Lebanon to arrest former Syrian Air Force Intelligence chief Jamil Hassan, believed to be […]
english.enabbaladi.net
December 14, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Syria and France have called on Lebanon to arrest former Syrian Air Force Intelligence chief Jamil Hassan, believed to be on Lebanese soil.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Palmyra Attack: A Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman said the Internal Security Command had issued prior warnings to partner forces in the Syrian desert of possible attacks by ISIS.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787992/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787992/
هجوم تدمر.. تحذيرات لم تؤخذ بجدية وتساؤلات حول المنفذ
أعلنت القيادة المركزية الأمريكية، اليوم السبت 13 من كانون الأول، مقتل اثنين من أفراد الخدمة العسكرية الأمريكية ومدني أمريكي، وإصابة ثلاثة آخرين، جراء كمين أعلنت القيادة المركزية الأمريكي، مقتل اثنين م...
www.enabbaladi.net
December 14, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Palmyra Attack: A Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman said the Internal Security Command had issued prior warnings to partner forces in the Syrian desert of possible attacks by ISIS.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787992/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/787992/
Two US soldiers and an interpreter killed in suspected Islamic State attack in Syria
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Two US soldiers and an interpreter killed in suspected Islamic State attack in Syria
Two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria on Saturday by a suspected Islamic State attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead, the...
www.reuters.com
December 14, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Two US soldiers and an interpreter killed in suspected Islamic State attack in Syria
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Reposted by Syria Notes
🔴I wrote about far-right attacks against refugee charities and why some are choosing to leave the sector to protect themselves. It's awful but understandable.
open.substack.com/pub/nicolake...
open.substack.com/pub/nicolake...
When it's time to move on
It's toxic out there
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:32 PM
🔴I wrote about far-right attacks against refugee charities and why some are choosing to leave the sector to protect themselves. It's awful but understandable.
open.substack.com/pub/nicolake...
open.substack.com/pub/nicolake...
A letter to Syria on Liberation Day
United Kingdom Representative for Syria Ann Snow writing in Enab Baladi.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
United Kingdom Representative for Syria Ann Snow writing in Enab Baladi.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
A letter to Syria on Liberation Day - Enab Baladi
Today marks one year since the start of a new chapter for Syria – a moment that changed the course […]
english.enabbaladi.net
December 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
A letter to Syria on Liberation Day
United Kingdom Representative for Syria Ann Snow writing in Enab Baladi.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
United Kingdom Representative for Syria Ann Snow writing in Enab Baladi.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...