The two main cities, Damascus and Aleppo have not embraced the protests. Why?

First, this is where the social classes that have benefited most from the regime are concentrated. But if they see that their interests are threatened, the merchant bourgeoisie will also eventually take a stand against Al-Assad. The country is experiencing a very serious economic crisis. The second reason is that all public places are occupied by security forces to prevent any gathering. Power is obsessed with these two cities. There are small daily demonstrations in the capital, but they are nipped in the bud.

Liberation publishes Yazbek’s testimony on Syrian jails, featured earlier in The Guardian. As an introduction, journalist Ayad explains the context of the event.

Bienvenue au «Rose Fountain Motel» de Jabbour Douaihy | La chute de la Maison Baz
Le Rose Fountain Motel, c’est le rêve de Margaret, l’épouse autrichienne de Jojo. Elle se verrait bien installer dans la maison familiale un hôtel, chaque chambre aurait une couleur différente, à la cave on ouvrirait un restaurant français qu’on appellerait Le faucon, al-Baz en arabe. Al-Baz, c’est le nom de la famille de son mari.