Author: THE SYRIAN OBSERVER

German and Swedish authorities have made an unprecedented move by arresting eight men suspected of committing crimes against humanity in Syria, as reported by DW. The arrests include four stateless Syrian Palestinians and a Syrian national accused of killing and attempting to kill civilians, qualifying as crimes against humanity and war crimes. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the arrests in Germany included individuals affiliated with the Free Palestine Movement, while Swedish authorities also apprehended three individuals involved in alleged crimes against humanity. Additionally, tensions in Syria have further escalated due to its involvement in the regional conflict, particularly as a…

The Syrian political landscape has seen significant developments in the last 24 hours, from France’s top court reviewing an arrest warrant for President Bashar al-Assad to escalating anti-Syrian riots in Turkey driven by social media frenzy. This blog also covers Turkey’s response to the riots, a lawsuit against Iran, Syria, and North Korea for supporting Hamas, and the touching story of Ruba, an 11-year-old Syrian refugee highlighting the critical need for mental health support in conflict zones. Join us as we explore these impactful issues affecting Syria and its people. France’s Highest Court to Review Arrest Warrant for Assad France’s…

Over the weekend, international media focused on significant developments in Syria, including Turkish President Erdogan’s potential meeting with Syrian President Assad to restore ties, an Israeli airstrike near a Shi’ite shrine in Damascus, human rights concerns over Turkey’s deportation of Syrian refugees, the Kurdish Autonomous Administration closing crossings with Syrian government-controlled areas, and commemorations of the 44th anniversary of the Tadmur prison massacre, highlighting the ongoing quest for justice and human rights in Syria. Turkey’s Erdogan Considers Meeting Assad to Restore Relations President Erdogan hinted at a possible meeting with President Assad to mend bilateral relations that deteriorated after the…

Syria Plans Demobilization of Tens of Thousands of Reservists AFP reported that Syria intends to demobilize tens of thousands of reservists starting next month, according to a defense ministry official. The move comes as the civil war in the country has gradually diminished in recent years. Major General Ahmed Sleiman stated that the demobilization process will occur in three phases, with the goal of reducing reserve service to a maximum of two years by October 2025. The decision aims to create a more advanced army based on voluntary enlistment, providing discharge options for those who have completed five years of…

The Second Syrian National Charter Conference, held on June 22nd, 2024, at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, aimed to strengthen the Syrian National Charter by promoting unity and democracy. Dr. Khaldoon Al-Aswad spearheaded the event, continuing the work initiated in 2022. Keynote speakers emphasized the Charter’s importance in post-conflict reconstruction and conflict resolution, advocating for human rights and equality. In a separate development, a Paris court upheld the arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar Assad, marking a historic step against impunity. Meanwhile, CPJ called for the release of detained journalist Sleman Ahmed in Kurdistan, highlighting the challenges faced…

The upcoming Syrian elections have sparked a closer examination of the country’s electoral system, highlighted in a series of reports by the Atlantic Council. The first article by researchers Vladimir Pran and Maroun Sfeir delves into the flaws and shortcomings of the parliamentarian elections in Syria, scheduled for July 15. It focuses on unequal representation, manipulation of candidates, and barriers to multi-party competition. The report reveals the overrepresentation of regime strongholds, manipulation of candidates, and a block vote system that limits political party competition. Key issues include the lack of criteria for seat allocation, disproportional representation, and the absence of…

A Czech-led fact-finding mission is being prepared to establish safe zones in Syria, amidst increasing pressure on refugees in Europe and the Middle East to return home, as reported by The National. This initiative, backed by Prague officials, could involve Cyprus and signifies a significant step for the Czech Republic in supporting Syrian refugees. Most EU countries have cut ties with Damascus post its crackdown in 2011, a move that could intensify EU divisions on Syria policy. The mission aims to evaluate the Syrian situation and neighboring countries, with Cyprus showing interest in joining and promoting a more flexible approach…

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has displaced Syrian refugees and heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, leading to over 95,000 displaced people and damaged homes. With conditions worsening, fear of a potential war with Israel looms, exacerbating the plight of Syrian refugees who already face challenges in Lebanon. Politicians and media outlets have called for stricter rules on refugees, creating a hostile environment. Meanwhile, a US military base in Syria faced a drone attack after months of relative calm, highlighting escalating tensions between US forces and Iranian-backed groups in the region. The ongoing strikes underscore the risks involved. Furthermore, thousands…

Thousands of Syrian refugees in Turkey are facing uncertainty and fear as rumors circulate about the potential stripping of Turkish citizenship from up to 5,000 Syrians. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that unconfirmed lists of individuals at risk of losing their citizenship, comprising multiple nationalities, are expected to be released soon, sparking concerns among Syrians with Turkish nationality amid anti-refugee sentiment. Since President Tayyip Erdogan took office, there has been a push to deport Syrian refugees, further escalating tensions. Despite legal reassurances from Turkish lawyer Abdulkadir Fleifel that citizenship is only revoked for specific violations, uncertainties still loom. In a parallel situation,…

Thousands of Syrian refugees in Turkey are living in fear of losing their Turkish citizenship, with rumors suggesting that 5,000 Syrians have already had their citizenship revoked. Unconfirmed reports indicate that lists of individuals facing citizenship withdrawal will be released soon, encompassing various nationalities, not just Syrians. This uncertainty has been fueled by a campaign to deport Syrians launched by President Tayyip Erdogan, following the formation of the current Turkish government in mid-2023. Syrian refugees, who make up the largest refugee group in Turkey, are facing heightened tensions and anti-refugee sentiments. In a related development, Syrian journalists exiled in neighboring…