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  • Syria

Iraqi-American musician and researcher Mark Gergis, who co-founded Syrian Cassette Archives, began collecting cassette tapes during visits to Syria in the 1990s. Syrian Cassette Archive

How cassette tapes preserved Syria's unofficial soundtrack

For nearly three decades, these recordings carried voices ignored by official media across the country's streets, taxis and nightclubs. Now, they are being digitised into a comprehensive archive.

Khalil Sweileh 27 March 2026
A girl shows a peace sign, as Syrians gather to mark the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against the ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syria, on 15 March 2026. REUTERS / Yamam Al Shaar

One year on, Syria's National Dialogue promises fall flat

The rushed 2025 rollout raised questions about the government's seriousness. Since then, no meaningful record has been published, fuelling fears that it was just a show.

Haid Haid 17 March 2026
A boy plays with his sheep next to an unexploded missile that landed in an open field on the outskirts of Qamishli, eastern Syria, on 5 March 2026. DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP

Syria may escape war but not its economic fallout

Even if it stays on the sidelines of the US-Iran war, the country is fragile. Unlike larger economies that can absorb shocks in global markets, it has little room to cushion the impact.

Haid Haid 09 March 2026
Axel Rangel Garcia

Alternative security models for Syria amid US pullout

The announcement last week that the US was pulling its 1,000 troops there has sparked worry, as American presence is seen as crucial for integrating the Kurds and fighting IS

James Jeffrey 07 March 2026
People wave independence-era Syrian flags as they gather at Saadallah al-Jabiri Square after the Friday noon prayer in Aleppo on 13 December 2024. Ozan KOSE / AFP

Syria's civic space opens...but not for everyone

Forms of civic engagement unimaginable under the previous regime are now unfolding. But authorities have also been accused of arbitrary restrictions, selective enforcement, and sudden reversals.

Haid Haid 20 February 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi @USAMBTurkiye via X

SDF presence in Munich raises eyebrows in Ankara

Despite having signed an agreement to integrate into the Syrian state, its leaders attended a key security conference in Germany as a separate delegation from Damascus, in a move that unnerves Türkiye

Omer Onhon 18 February 2026
Burkina Faso's Capt. Ibrahim Traore, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands before an official ceremony to welcome the leaders of delegations to the Russia Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 27, 2023

Why the ‘unreliable allies’ narrative doesn't track in Africa

A growing 'unreliable allies' narrative claims Russia and China are abandoning their African partners. The evidence suggests otherwise

Sergey Eledinov 08 February 2026
People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus' Dwelaa area on 22 June 2025. LOUAI BESHARA / AFP

Ansar al-Sunna: the murky new jihadist group in Syria

A faceless new group that seeks to provoke sectarian violence is claiming responsibility for attacks that later transpire to be the work of others. Who are they, and do they matter?

Abdelrahman Al-Hajj 07 February 2026
Eduardo Ramon

The return of Al-Jazira and the question of Syria’s economic renewal

As Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Hasakah return to state authority, this resource-rich region re-emerges as a cornerstone of economic recovery

Hussein al-Sharaa 06 February 2026
Eduardo Ramon

How the US got the SDF to capitulate to Damascus

Al Majalla publishes a full account of what transpired during negotiations, the draft integration framework, and proposed constitutional amendments

Ibrahim Hamidi 03 February 2026
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Pete Reynolds
Politics

Israel’s election may not end its political crisis

26, Oct 2026

With a complex election setup and the deep polarisation that has plagued Israel in recent years, expect prolonged political deadlock

Michael Horowitz
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Rwanda's Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva during a welcoming ceremony for participants of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Russia, on 28 October 2026. Igor Ivanko/REUTERS
Business & Economy

Russia-Africa summit: ambitions and challenges

29, Oct 2026

Amid competition for influence and resources, Russia knows that Africa is a market with potential. For African states, Russian companies are still of interest, but the value equation needs to change

Rana Freifer
Al Majalla
Politics

Lula defies Latin America’s pro-Trump wave

28, Oct 2026

Brazil's left-wing president won a historic fourth term in office

Catherine Osborn
Anne-Claire Legendre, the newly appointed president of the Institut du monde arabe, poses for a portrait at the institute’s headquarters in Paris, on 18 February, 2026 AFP
Culture & Social Affairs

Anne-Claire Legendre’s vision for the Institut du monde arabe

29, Oct 2026

As the institute approaches its 40th anniversary, its president outlines a new vision for cultural collaboration between the Arab world and Europe

Elie Kossaifi
President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) greeting Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi (R), in Tehran on 18 May 2025. Iranian Presidency / AFP
Politics

Afghanistan: Iran's strategic depth card in Central Asia

28, Oct 2026

Once nurtured by Pakistan, the Taliban now works closely with Iran, much to the delight of Russia and China

Kamal Alam

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OPINIONS

Israel’s election: musical chairs for parties, not policies

Majed Kayali
Majed Kayali

War with Iran likely regardless of who leads Israel

Con Coughlin
Con Coughlin

Russia-Africa summit: ambitions and challenges

Rana Freifer
Rana Freifer

The struggle for power

Al Majalla - London
Al Majalla - London
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