[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.]
Muslim Brotherhood Opens Direct Links to Rebels in Damascus, providing them with direct financial assistance and promising them political influence in the future.
Why Turkey is Essential for the Syrian Opposition Erin Banco explains how Turkey supported the Syrian opposition so far, and how this may change following the bombings in Reynahli.
Syria Turkmen Join Opposition Forces in Pursuit of a New Syrian Identity Nicholas Heras provides background information on this minority group, which he suggests has had a similar history of discrimination as Kurds in Syria.
Syria’s War Impacts Turkish Alevis Orhan Kemal Cengiz on the discrimination suffered by Alevis in Turkey
The No-Plan Zone Micah Zenko writes “the most significant explanation of America`s unwillingness to attack Syria is that the level of military force that officials and policymakers are willing to employ would not materially change the outcome of the civil war.”
The Rise of Shia Jihadism in Syria Will Fuel Sectarian Fires Hassan Hassan says “amid Syria`s worsening crisis, there is another unprecedented, yet overlooked phenomenon that bodes ill for the entire region: the rise of global Shia jihadism.”
Hamas-Hezbollah Ties Deteriorate Over Syria Asmaa al-Ghoul on the events that transformed the nature of their relationship.
Syria Narratives
Between Murder and Resistance Salam Kawakibi writes about Lebanese fighters in Syria: “it has now become clear that this adherent armed group has distanced itself – if we assume that it was close, to the `Resistance`, and has engaged in a war against the Syrians who were once its most important supporters, in word and in deed.”
Syrian External Opposition Says no Deal With Assad Haytham Mouzahem on the disagreements over negotiations between the external and internal Syrian opposition.
Baccalaureate Exams: Studying in Times of War Omar al-Sheikh on the students who refuse to wait until the crisis is over to complete their education.
Syria’s Lost Generation Keith David Watenpaugh meets with university students now refugees in Zaatri.
Searching Syria’s Che Guevara Dina Shahrokhi says Syria has yet to find a charismatic leader.
By Predicting the Fall of Syria, World Helped it Crumble Amal Hanano and Yakzan Shishakly say “too much time has been spent predicting the aftermath of Syria`s fall - the acts of revenge, sectarian genocide, religious extremism and warlordism.”
Syrian Army Retakes Key Town of Qusair From Rebels Lyse Doucet reports from Qusair, a town that has been the site of an intense battle over the past weeks, and now appears to be back under government control.
Inside Syria
Syria Bank Chief: Let Them Eat Weed Nadeem Mohammed reports from Damascus on the constant fluctuations of prices and the frustration of the city’s residents.
Where Rebels Drink Tea and Trade Tanks Mohammed Sergies writes “a year of sustained gains in northern and eastern Syria has delivered some unexpected spoils from the territory they took over: grain silos, oil fields, rockets and fully equipped tanks.”
Fear and Loathing in Aleppo’s Mental Hospital Clare Morgana Gillis visits a hospital where one man has to take care of sixty patients.
Arts and Social Media
One Year Ago A short film published in December 2012 recently translated by Free Syrian Translators.
The Day We Broke Fear Maysaloon remembers breaking the barrier of fear and asking for the downfall of the regime in front of a Syrian embassy.
Social Media Buzz: Turkish Protests on Focus in Assad’s Media Mohammed Sergie on the events that were overshadowed by the Syrian regime’s focus on Turkey protests.
Q&A With Syrian Artist Khaled Akil now exiled in Turkey.
Speak Mouthless Tony Chakar’s video featuring the now famous Kafranbel banners
A Stunning Set of Photos From Syria - Uncensored From the Frontlines
Policy and Reports
Syrian Conflict Reaches Beyond Borders An interview with International Crisis Group’s Robert Malley
A Stream of Bodies in Aleppo’s River Human Rights Watch investigates the death of hundreds of people whose bodies were discovered downstream from a government-controlled area.
Allow Civilians to Flee From al-Qusayr Human Rights Watch reiterates that fighting sides must allow safe passage to civilians before leading a battle for this strategic town.
Arabic
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