Written by Chris Ray, this article was first published by Monthly Review Online, 10 January 2020
Sanctioning Syria
By Chris Ray
The United Nations was willing to pay for doors, windows and electrical wiring in Alaa Dahood’s apartment but not for repairs to her living room wall torn open by a mortar strike. That was deemed to be ‘reconstruction’—an aid category forbidden...
October 2019
In Syrian cities and towns, it is normal for primary school students to attend a co-educational school and then for students to be streamed into single-sex secondary schools. (This isn't possible in many small regional schools, so high school students in the countryside often attend mixed classes.) Universities generally have mixed classes.
Last month, on my visit to Dar...
Australians for Reconciliation and Truth Towards Syria (ArttS)
To secure a sustainable, equitable world – one without war – the work of peace-building, truth-telling and reconciliation will be critical. At the core of that work will be deep listening.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an opportunity for Australia to become a more inclusive and mature nation. Using both heart...
Below is an extract only. For the full statement, please go to the press release from the Office of the High Commissioner, United Nations Human Rights, 10 Nov 2022:
UN expert calls for lifting of long-lasting unilateral sanctions ‘suffocating’ Syrian people
Preliminary findings of the visit to the Syrian Arab Republic by the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral...
This article, slightly abridged, was first published by 'Pearls and Irritations' on 9 February under the title: An Opportunity for Parliamentarians to Work for Peace.
Petition EN5846 to the House of Representatives calls on the Australian government to suspend Australia’s ‘autonomous sanctions’ on Syria. A considered, conscientious response to the petition could have major implications for Australia’s foreign and defence...
Petition Reason
The people of Syria are not our enemies. Yet Australia has lacked the commitment to seek the truth about the war in Syria while Syrians have become impoverished. In response to the 21/08/2013 alleged sarin gas attack in Ghouta, Syria, America and Britain threatened military strikes against the Syrian Arab Republic. However, credible reports indicate it was...
