[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.]
Inside Syria
In two charts, this is what refugees say about why they are leaving Syria now The increasing influx of refugees and asylum-seekers to Europe is signaling to the West, and the rest of the world, that the Syrian conflict should be addressed with a more aggressive attitude.
Tracking the Russian airstrikes in Syria Detailed data on how control of Syria has shifted, and who controls which areas in Syria.
What Is Russia bombing in Syria? Assad must focus on the Ghab-Hama front, the Homs region, and his supply line to Aleppo. Since Assad will need protection in these areas the most, it is most probably where Putin will be bombing in Syria.
In Syria, whose side is the United States on? The U.S. is surely against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, but whom they support is not an easy answer.
`They are barbarians`: meet the man defending Syria`s heritage from Isis “Maamoun Abdulkarim is tasked with protecting Syrian antiquities, but as the fighting continues he fears more sites and artefacts could be lost forever”
3 AK-47-wielding women reportedly decimate ISIS militants A trio of women has formed an all-female fighting force to seek revenge on ISIS for atrocities committed against Yazidi women in Iraq, and it’s reportedly been decimating the enemy recently.
ISIS put signatures notebook at the mosques ISIS puplished a decree for Raqqa’s mosques and its countryside says that the prayers must sign on the notebook after ALEsha’a pray and ALdohr Pray daily with the letter ( A) as attended and then the Imam “ leader of the prayers at the mosque” appointed by ISIS will be in charge for that notebook.
CNN`s Hala Gorani speaks to Assad adviser about Obama`s ISIS speech, strategy In an interview with CNN’s Hala Gorani, Syrian official Bouthaina Shaaban says Syria is ready to work with the U.S., but warns against any "act of aggression” by the U.S.
An Arabic related article can be found here: مستشارة الأسد لـCNN: روسيا لا تملك تاريخا استعماريا.. وكان عليكم الاستماع لنا في 2011
Villages abandoned as Syrians flee northern Aleppo Mohammed al-Khatieb reports that "the northern countryside of Aleppo has been emptied as thousands fled to surrounding areas following the intensification of the Islamic State attacks in August."
The Arabic version of this article can be found here: هجمات "داعش" على ريف حلب... نزوح جديد للسكّان
ISIS wages war: Hundreds of jihadis desert the terror group for rival factions after becoming disillusioned when their pay was cut Hundreds of jihadis are leaving Islamic State for other extremist organisations after being forced to take a pay cut of almost £200 by chiefs, it was claimed on Sep. 28, 2015.
An Arabic related article can be found here: مقاتلو “الدولة الإسلامية” يتوجهون إلى “منظمات أخرى”
Jaish al-Islam takes control of Tel Kurdi in eastern Ghouta Mustafa al-Haj reports about the new military operation during which Jaish al-Islam has succeeded in taking over Tel Kurdi, a strategic region in Syria.
The Arabic version of this article can be found here: جيش الإسلام يفتح معركة ’’الله غالب‘‘ ويسيطر على تل كردي
The men saving Syria’s treasures from Isis Jeremy Bowen reports about a ”remarkable group of archaeologists are battling to save the country’s ancient artifacts”.
Regional and International Perspectives
Gulf states plan military response as Putin raises the stakes in Syria “Russia’s bombing of rebel positions has angered countries in the region, these countries are likely to increase military aid to the anti-Assad groups they support.”
Russia `fuelling extremism` as Putin steps up Syria air strikes “Western nations accuse Russia of escalating the Syrian conflict and fuelling extremism amid mounting fears over civilian casualties.”
Putin can’t save Assad, it’s far too late for that The idea that Russian fighters will help the Syrian regime reclaim territory is a fantasy.
Syria is a mess, Mr Obama. tell me how this ends Seeking a policy with the fewest consequences, President Obama has adopted a policy of inaction, which will bring consequences in itself.
Russia’s Syria intervention a blessing in disguise for U.S. Putin’s intervention in Syria is unlikely to be halted, with the downside for American interests still hard to identify.
Italy Prime Minister Renzi calls for Russia to be part of solution to Syria crisis Italian Prime Minister Renzi criticizes Eastern European countries’ resistance to robust migrant solution.
Obama: US willing to work with Russia, Iran on Syria crisis U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin sharply disagreed Monday Sep. 28, 2015 over the chaos in Syria, with Obama urging a political transition to replace the Syrian president but Putin warning it would be a mistake to abandon the current government.
Syria, Obama and Putin Thomas L. Friedman writes: "Obama has been right in his ambivalence about getting deeply involved in Syria. But he’s never had the courage of his own ambivalence to spell out his reasoning to the American people."
Russia may share criminal responsibility for Assad`s use of barrel bombs, UK says Moscow’s military intervention in Syria means it may have ‘legal exposure’ to violation of international law, foreign secretary says
Trump holds event in New Hampshire, says he`d send Syrian refugees back Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said Wednesday Sept 30, 2015 that he would send back Syrian refugees taken in by the U.S. if he`s elected president.
Meet the American Vigilantes Who Are Fighting ISIS A ragtag group of fighters from America and Europe have joined the fight against extremists in Syria. But with little training and no clear leadership, do they know what they’re doing?
Hillary Clinton calls for no-fly zone in Syria In an apparent break with the Obama White House, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called for the creation of a no-fly zone inside Syria Thursday Oct 1, 2015, the day after Russian warplanes started bombing rebels fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
Policy and Reports
No, cellphones are not a luxury for Syrian refugees Melissa Wall argues that Syrian refugees in camps and cities in Jordan do not view the cellphone as a luxury but rather a necessity, equivalent to food and water.
A trailer of related documentary can be found here: `District Zero`: What`s hidden inside the smartphone of a refugee?
Addressing Mental Health Needs among Syrian Refugees Inka Weissbecker and Ashley Leichner mention that the "impact on the mental health and well-being of displaced persons is significant and will require both short-term and longer-term solutions. It is thus critical to focus on mental health and psychosocial support, and to implement community-based mental health care."
Exploring the Syrian Refugee Crisis Several Syria Studies scholars share their thoughts and insights on the Syrian Refugee Crisis.
Partition: It’s time to recognise reality in Syria Eric Kaufmann argues that the creation of an Alawi-minority coastal canton is a sine qua non for cutting the Gordian knot that is the Syrian conflict.
Russia`s First Reported Air Strikes in Syria Assist Regime with Targeting Broader Opposition Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Research Team provides updates on Russian Airstrikes in Syria.
Documentaries, Special Reports, and Other Media
Mapping the Battle for Syria: Russia Continues Airstrikes on Rebel Areas On Friday Oct. 2, 2015, the third day of the Russian offensive in Syria, the United States and other nations that have been supporting rebel groups fighting President Bashar al-Assad issued a statement calling on Russia to stop targeting other opposition groups and focus on the Islamic State. Detailed data on who controls which areas of the country, collected by the Carter Center, showed that most of the targets hit by Russia are in Syria`s northwest, where other rebel groups, not the Islamic State, are in control.
Refugee artists on mission to spread awareness of lost Syrian heritage Mahmoud Hariri, a young Syrian refugee, reacted to Daesh’s destruction of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria by creating a piece of art depicting the ancient site. His work was then displayed alongside others at Zaatari, Jordan’s largest refugee camp.
The Syrian refugee crisis, explained in one map This map shows that the largest population of Syrian refugees isn`t in Europe — it`s in the Middle East, in Syria`s neighboring countries, often in vast and underfunded UN-run refugee camps
Syrian refugees test Jordan`s infrastructure Queen Rania of Jordan explains the effects the Syrian humanitarian crisis is having on her country.
ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: August 2015 ISIS increased its terrorism campaigns in Egypt and Saudi Arabia in August 2015, demonstrating its ability to penetrate well-protected cities and strike government targets. ISIS also increased its operational presence in Yemen, taking advantage of AQAP`s focus on fighting the al-Houthis. ISIS-linked activity in Tunisia and Indonesia suggests that they represent new growth areas for ISIS`s global campaign. The confirmed death of Mullah Omar will likely enhance ISIS`s outreach efforts globally as well as accelerate its local campaign in Afghanistan.
ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: September 2015 ISIS has established robust ground campaigns in Libya, Egypt, and Afghanistan. ISIS also continues to expand outward, as reflected in its new activity in Bangladesh and Russia`s Caucasus. ISIS may increase its activity in the Near Abroad in order to compensate for anticipated losses in Syria due to Russian intervention. ISIS will also seek to pressure Russia and possibly Iran over the next month as they escalate activity in Syria and Iraq.
How do we know Bashar al-Assad`s regime is torturing people? Because of Caesar, and thousands of his pictures As a series of powerful photos shows, supporting Assad is in many ways supporting a regime that has done its best to match ISIS in its thirst for evil.
انفوغرافيك يوضح لباس تنظيم “داعش” ودلالته حسب اللون والشكل من إعداد فريقي “الرقة تذبح بصمت” و “صوت وصورة”This infographic shows the meanings of ISIS clothes according to color and style.
Arabic:
روسيا وثوار سوريا والعشق الممنوع Dr. Ahmad Muaffaq Zaidan discusses the relationship between Russia and Syria`s rebel groups.
بان كي مون: 5 دول تملك مفتاح الحل في سوريا Ban Ki-moon said on Monday Sep. 28, 2015 that 5 countries (United States of America, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran) have the keys for a political solution in Syria.
عن السجون والحرّية والوطن Hussein Ghrer writes about his experience in Syrian regime prisons and his recent freedom.
تزويج القاصرات السّوريات في دول اللجوء: الأسباب والإحصائيات والنتائج Asem Al-Zoubi discusses Syrian female child married in the refugee countries and provides some statistic.
روزنة تخترق سجن حماة المركزي.. ما علاقة السجن بـ"محكمة الإرهاب"؟ This article shares some stories of political prisoners in Hama Central Prison and Terrorism Court.
ممثل أمريكي "يعود للحياة" من أجل لاجئة سورية John Oliver gives a young Syrian refugee Noujain Mustaffa a kick out of seeing EJ (James Scott) and Sami (Alison Sweeney), from Days of Our Lives, reunite in her honor.
English related articles can be found here: John Oliver reunites ‘Days of Our Lives’ couple for young Syrian refugee , Syrian refugee Noujain Mustaffa`s thank you to TV soap star
عن وهم الوطن الأسدي ! Hasan Arfeh the risks of al-Assad ideology on 2.4 million Syrian children.
حتى لو جاءت روسيا كلها الى اللاذقية Hassan Haider discusses the recent comments by Vladimir Putin at the UN meeting in New York where he defended Al-Assad.
تنَظيمُ الدّولةِالإسلامِيّة، بورتريه ذاتي: ماذا نجدُ في “دابق”، مجلَّةِ الدولةِ الإسلاميّة؟ Louise Plun discusses the meanings of concepts that ISIS uses in its ideology and recruitment strategies.
هل تخاطر ميركل بمستقبلها السياسي في سبيل اللاجئين؟ This interview highlights the risks and provides some explanations of Angela Merkel`s policy regarding refugees.