menu_open Columnists
By Maher Al Mounes

By Maher Al Mounes

Al Monitor

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Syria's economy reborn after being freed from Assad

When Bashar al-Assad ruled Syria, merchants like Youssef Rajab kept much of their imported stock hidden for fear of arrest for breaking the law. But...

24.01.2025 5

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

'Protect our people': Armed Syrian volunteers watch over Damascus

Every night, Damascus residents stand guard outside shops and homes armed with light weapons often supplied by Syria's new rulers, eager to fill...

07.01.2025 3

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Red Cross says determining fate of Syria's missing 'huge challenge'

Determining the fate of those who went missing during Syria's civil war will be a massive task likely to take years, the president of the...

06.01.2025 1

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Christmas in post-Assad Syria tainted by fears for minority's future

Sarah Latifa had feared that her Christian community in Syria may struggle to celebrate its first Christmas since Islamist-led rebels toppled...

25.12.2024 30

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

When Damascus traffic cops fled, volunteers stepped in

At a Damascus intersection, young volunteers act as unofficial traffic cops after police assigned to the duty deserted their posts when president...

22.12.2024 10

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

No longer Assad's mouthpiece, Syrian media face uncertainty

Syrian media outlets which trumpeted the glories of Bashar al-Assad's oppressive rule quickly adopted revolutionary fervour after his ouster, but...

21.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Palestinians in Syria flock to cemetery off-limits under Assad

In a war-ravaged Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, Radwan Adwan was stacking stones to rebuild his father's grave, finally able to return to...

18.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Damascus students say 'finally feel free' after Assad's ouster

Hundreds of students at Damascus University trampled on a statue of one of Syria's former rulers on Sunday, expressing jubilation as they returned...

16.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

US says in contact with new Syria rulers

The United States said Saturday it had made contact with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, as Western and Arab states along with...

15.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Turkey reopens embassy in Syria as diplomats gather for talks

The United States said Saturday it had made contact with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, as Western and Arab states along with...

15.12.2024 4

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Turkey to reopen embassy in Syria as diplomats gather for talks

The United States said Saturday it had made contact with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, as Western and Arab states along with...

15.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Jordan to host Syria talks after Damascus erupts in celebration

The United States said Saturday it had made contact with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, as Western and Arab states along with...

15.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Syrians explore ousted Assad's Damascus home

Roaming the opulent Damascus home of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Abu Omar felt a sense of giddy defiance being in the residence of the...

12.12.2024 4

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Freed Syria prison sparks hope and heartbreak

As soon as rebel forces seized Damascus, Syrians swarmed the notorious Saydnaya prison, desperate for news of loved ones who vanished under ousted...

11.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

UN says Israel bombardment of Syria 'must stop'

Syria's new transitional prime minister on Tuesday said it was time for "stability and calm" in the country, two days after longtime president...

11.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

War monitor says Israel conducted 300 strikes on Syria since Assad's fall

Syria's new transitional prime minister on Tuesday said it was time for "stability and calm" in the country, two days after longtime president...

11.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Syria rebels name head of transitional govt

Syria's new transitional prime minister on Tuesday said it was time for "stability and calm" in the country, two days after longtime president...

10.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Syrians search for loved ones missing in Assad's jails

Syria's Islamist rebel leader on Monday began discussions on transferring power, a day after his opposition alliance dramatically unseated...

10.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes

Syrians search for loved ones while rejoicing in Assad's fall

Syrian rescuers searched a jail synonymous with the worst atrocities of ousted president Bashar al-Assad's rule, as people in the capital flocked to...

09.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

By Maher Al Mounes