Damascus is a legendary city. Described by the Roman emperor Julian as the “Pearl of the East”, its landscape is defined by three natural features that also have historical significance: The Kassioun Mountain where Cain is believed to have murdered Able; the Barada River where St. Paul was baptized; and the Ghuta, the legendary lush [...]

By S. Farah for Syria Comment (posted by Alex) June 29th brings to a close a one-year celebration of the life of St Paul in most of the world. According to the BBC he is “undoubtedly one of the most important figures in the history of the Western world”. His conversion in Damascus forever changed [...]

S. Farah, for Syria Comment In a recent interview with the BBC, President Bashar al Assad cautioned the European capitals that they stand to lose their ability to exert influence in the Middle East if they lose their credibility. European credibility and its commitment to the values it professes are being tested today in Gaza. [...]

Can Syria change its image? The Power of Narratives. By S. Farah for Syria Comment 24 November 2008 In an interview on National Public Radio, the great American author Norman Mailer explained his public image by saying, “People have outlandish ideas of me and are often surprised when they meet me. If I heard one [...]