[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Syria and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Syria Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to syria@jadaliyya.com by Monday night of every week.]
Regional and International Perspectives
Pound’s Woes Lift Syrian Bourse Hadeel al Sayegh’s economic update reveals an increasingly precarious situation
Value of the Syrian Pound Hits All-Time Low Steve Hanke says inflation has skyrocketed and, “as of 10 July 2013, the value of the Syrian pound on the black market has hit an all time low, with the current black-market exchange rate now sitting at 295.00 SYP/USD.”
Examining Russia’s Allegations of Syrian Rebel Sarin Gaz Use James Miller says “the available evidence casts significant doubt on this latest statement made by the Russian government.”
Antakya’s Turkish and Arab Citizens Feel Impact of Syria War Mazen Aazzi says tensions arise as both groups revisit their contested history as a result of the turmoil.
Syria Reacts to Egypt: Official Praise and Popular Blues Marah Mashi on the reactions of the Syrian regime and its supporters to events unfolding in Egypt
“We Have Become Refugees Again”-Say Palestinians From Syria Now in Gaza Ali Abunimah on the crisis that has brought an estimated 800 Palestinians to Gaza, via Egypt.
Syrian Opposition Chooses Saudi-Backed Leader Khaled Yacoub Oweis on the Syrian National Coalition’s selection of Ahmad Jarba as president.
Henri Kissinger: Balkanized Syria Best Possible Outcome An argument made by the former secretary of state.
Yassin-Kassab versus Landis A heated debate between Joshua Landis and Robin Yassin-Kassab, over Landis` most recent article on the three scenarios for Syria.
Syrian Narratives
Objection, There is Nothing Prevalent About Sectarianism in Syria Lana Khattab deplores the over-emphasis on instances of sectarianism, which she argues is not at the core of the conflict.
Understanding Why the Regime and the Opposition Changed Leadership Karen Leigh receives the comments of Sami Moubayed, Taufiq Rahim and Joshua Landis, following the replacement of Ghassan Hitto with Ahmed Jarba.
In Conversation With Paul Conroy Lindsey Hilsum interviews Paul Conroy who recently published a book documenting his experience on what ended up being Marie Colvin’s latest assignment in Homs.
Syria’s Communal Tensions Are Fueled by Politics, not Theology Robbin Yassin-Kassab’s interesting parallel between sectarianism in Syria and sectarianism in Scotland : “Like Scotland`s sectarians, Syria`s Alawites are usually largely secular and ignorant of their own sect`s theology - at least they were; a war-driven religious revival is touching them as well as the Sunnis.”
Syria: the People Will not Kneel and Will not Accept any New Tyranny! Syria Freedom Forever reiterates its faith in the Syrian Revolution, achievable through opposing the regime, but also opposing those fighting the regime while holding a sectarian discourse.
Hard Times in “Feral” Aleppo Nathaniel Rosenblatt says the city is in a state of chaos due to the fighting unfolding.
Les Elus D’Alep Lancent Un Appel a l’Aide Humanitaire Yves-Michel Riols explains the scarce environment and dangerous situation Aleppines lives in.
Interview With Father Paolo Dall ’Oglio who reiterates his support of the Syrian revolution.
A series of articles by Bassam Haddad, translated into Spanish by Sinfo Fernandez for the outlet Rebellion:
Triunfo e irrelevancia de las metanarrativas sobre Siria: `Rohna Dahiyyah`
Revisando de nuevo la situacion en Siria: Dos anos errando
Sobre que deberia uno escribir? Tercer verano pavoroso en Siria
Inside Syria
Syrians Welcome Ramadan With Empty Pockets Nadim Rashidi says “as price controls slip out of the government’s hands and prices continue to increase daily, the majority of Syrians will welcome the month of fasting with empty pockets.”
Syria’s Rebels in Rift With Aleppo’s Civil Opposition Edward Dark sheds light on another dividing dimension of the Aleppo fighting.
How Syria’s Mould-Breaking al-Nusra Front is Winning Hearts and Minds Ghaith Abdul Ahad with another essential article on the rise of Jabhat al-Nusra’s influence in Syria’s east.
Syrian City of Raqqa Suffers Under Rebel Rule Tarek Al-Abed reports on the absence of civil life in this city under rebel control.
Lettre Aux Intellectuels en Occident Syrian intellectual Yassin Haj Saleh, who left Damascus for another Syrian city following the threats he received, explains the situation of chaos that reigns in the country, and the need for nations to assume a clear stance about their intentions.
Help Syria Now. Tomorrow Might Be Too Late. Haj Saleh’s letter, this time translated into English.
Unite et Diversite Des Revolutions Arabes Yassin Haj Saleh on the similarities and differences of the various Arab revolutions.
Conversation: Delivering Aid in the Crossfire This is the testimony of “Kadar,” a Syrian aid worker delivering aid for organizations around Syria.
Woman’s Work Francesca Borri on the degrading work conditions of a freelance female journalist in Syria.
Syria ER: Sneaking to the Hospital Via Public Sewers Dr. Zaher Sahloul explains the depressing state of health care in the country, where doctors and infrastructure are lacking.
Damascus Journal: The Moment Before We Die Razan Zeitoune’s touching piece : “Anyone can disappear in the blink of an eye and before we even realize he is gone, we find ourselves staring with a cold face at some video.”
Arts and Social Media
10 Best Arab Films Omar al-Qattan’s useful list, including a movie from Syrian filmmaker Mohammad Malas
Syria’s War (The Official Version) Plays Out on TV Samer Radwan’s Wilada min al-Khasira is a new TV series reflecting the current situation in Syria, whose “message toes the government line”
Policy and Reports
Egypt Turns Away Syrians Amnesty International’s news update.
The Syrian Army Renews Offensive in Homs Analyzing developments in Homs, Elizabeth O’Bagy says that the regime’s attempt at operating in various cities all at once may have unintended consequences such as encouraging the creation of smaller commands and militias.
Dissecting an Evolving Conflict: The Syrian Uprising and the Future of the Country A report by Asaad al-Saleh and Loren White, providing an update on developments in Syria.
Arabic
بشار الأسد يحتفل ب"الثورة" السورية
Allam Ahmad on an interview with Bashar Al-Assad on the 50th anniversary of the publication of the governmental newspaper "Atthawra."
غسان هيتو.. فشل جديد؟
السعودية "اللبنانية": خروج على التقاليد؟!
المشرقية الجديدة: سوريا هي البداية
إعادة الإعمار و التنمية في سوريا: نحو بديل وطني مضاد للنيولبرالية
سوريا: المعركة و أولوية المهمات
الطائفية عارية [1/2]: تحول المشهد في سوريا
الشارع الكردي أمام تحد جديد… من يوقف الفتنة؟
حماة الديار
مسائية اليوم الثاني من اعتصام الرقة أمام مقر دولة العراق و الشام الإسلامية