We took our place in the queue, my senses on alert, unsure what to expect. People celebrate in central Damascus a year on from the fall of the Assad regime. This was causing frustration and delays while the country took baby steps towards building a new Syria. Despite government promises and multiple attempts to enforce the law, preventing Syria from going down a darker route will take time, effort and collective wisdom. “I love Syria, I just don’t want to leave my friends in Ireland.” He wants both worlds, just like me.

Source: The Irish Times December 06, 2025 18:01 UTC