The first instalment of a two-part investigation into the unprecedented looting of Syria's archaeological sites, Al Majalla uncovers the destruction of a rich archaeological landscape

While sham elections have been seen before, a genuinely representative elected legislature has not. The opportunity is huge, and early signs are good, but there are still far too many questions.

The autonomous Kurdish-led group in Syria's north-east has been protected by the US for a decade, but the move now is towards integration with Damascus. Unfortunately, the SDF has not got the memo.

This is a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to agree a détente between two hostile neighbours, but getting there is tricky. Several issues must (but can) be overcome.

Challenges lie ahead for the new Syrian government as it seeks to close the gap in security policy

The arrest of a key player in the former regime's security and illicit apparatus represents a new level of capacity for Syria's new leaders

'Look to the woman,' as the French say, for it is the woman that runs the household. Likewise, it is the state's administration that runs the ministries and achieves the objectives set by ministers.

American Rabbi Abraham Cooper has just met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, weeks after meeting Syria's foreign minister in New York. Al Majalla went to ask his thoughts.

Unresolved grievances, weakened security structures, and the unchecked proliferation of weapons threaten Syria's ability to chart a new course towards peace and prosperity

It has been over a century and a half since a church has been so overtly attacked in the country. Al Majalla takes a look at the history.