A demonstration marking the 14th anniversary of the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, in March 2025 in downtown Homs. (Credit: Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/ Archive photo)
"It's the first time I've watched a soccer match. It's the Syrian team playing." "It's the first time I identify with a flag." "It's the first time I understand the words of the national anthem." "It's the first time I'm going to renew my papers without being afraid." "It's the first time I feel proud."These firsts, shared by my loved ones, became possible on the night of Dec. 8, 2024, when the new Syria was born. I, too, experienced each of these moments this year, along with millions of Syrians across the country and around the world.There were far harder firsts. Some Syrians saw their parents, homes, villages or schools for the first time in 15 years, perhaps even more. Others, less fortunate, visited for the first time the graves of loved ones who fell...
"It's the first time I've watched a soccer match. It's the Syrian team playing." "It's the first time I identify with a flag." "It's the first time I understand the words of the national anthem." "It's the first time I'm going to renew my papers without being afraid." "It's the first time I feel proud."These firsts, shared by my loved ones, became possible on the night of Dec. 8, 2024, when the new Syria was born. I, too, experienced each of these moments this year, along with millions of Syrians across the country and around the world.There were far harder firsts. Some Syrians saw their parents, homes, villages or schools for the first time in 15 years, perhaps even more. Others, less fortunate, visited for the first time the graves of loved ones who...