Rania Abouzeid presents an eye-opening account of the Syrian civil war, focusing on the opposition's perspective due to being declared an enemy by the Syrian government. The book offers a detailed look into the lives of those who are not often heard outside Syria, providing insight into the ethnic and religious complexities of the conflict. Abouzeid introduces readers to various opposition members, including those affiliated with the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, and discusses their visions for the future. The book aims to clarify the different opposition factions against the Assad regime, though it offers little hope for a positive outcome of the war.

The article describes the tense atmosphere in Baghdad amidst sectarian violence and political unrest. It portrays the city as being on a war footing without being at war, with families mourning their dead and the morgue seeing an increase in unidentified victims. The piece delves into the complexities of Iraqi identity, sectarian divisions, and the power struggle cloaked in religious differences. It discusses the Sunni-Shiite tensions, the Kurds' push for autonomy, and the impact of the U.S.-led invasion and subsequent policies on Iraq's social fabric. The article also covers the rise of the Islamic State and its declaration of a caliphate, the response of Shiite militias to a call to arms by a prominent cleric, and the fears and experiences of Baghdad's Sunni community. It touches on the plight of Iraqi Christians and the formation of volunteer armies in response to the Islamic State's advances. The narrative is woven with personal stories of individuals affected by the violence, illustrating the human cost of the ongoing conflict.

The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on journalism and questions whether the field can or should return to its pre-pandemic state. It highlights that the traditional ways of covering various beats such as education, sports, food, and politics may no longer be adequate in the post-pandemic world. Nieman Reports is exploring these issues through an essay series titled 'Lessons from the Pandemic,' which aims to understand the lasting lessons from this period and how journalism should adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic.

The article poses a question about the future livability of cities in the context of climate change. It likely explores the impact of global warming on urban areas, discussing which cities might remain habitable as the planet's climate continues to change. The article may cover aspects such as rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and their effects on infrastructure, public health, and local economies. It could also discuss adaptation strategies that cities are implementing or need to consider to cope with the changing climate.

O artigo descreve a crise multifacetada que o Líbano enfrenta, incluindo um colapso econômico devastador, uma explosão catastrófica no porto de Beirute, política fracassada e uma crise de refugiados. A jornalista, com raízes libanesas, relata a dor de perder a mãe e a conexão com o país de origem, apesar de ter crescido na Nova Zelândia e na Austrália. O artigo detalha a história do Líbano, desde a ascensão do setor bancário até a guerra civil, a influência síria e os recentes protestos contra a corrupção e a incompetência política. A crise atual é descrita como uma das piores desde meados do século XIX, com mais de 80% da população vivendo na pobreza. A explosão no porto de Beirute é destacada como um evento divisor de águas, com a população se unindo para ajudar na recuperação. O artigo também aborda a diáspora libanesa e seu papel no apoio ao país, bem como a luta diária dos cidadãos para sobreviver em meio a serviços públicos falhos e uma classe política desinteressada.

The article discusses the violent political climate in Bolivia, particularly the assault on Mayor María Patricia Arce Guzmán, a member of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, following the disputed presidential election in October 2019. It highlights the contradiction in Bolivia's promotion of women in government and the high rates of femicide and violence against women. The article also explores the broader issue of women's political participation and the challenges they face globally, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, and New Zealand. It addresses the use of gender quotas in politics and the backlash female politicians face, ranging from sexist criticism to outright violence. The piece underscores the resilience of women in politics despite these challenges and the importance of their representation in government.

The article reflects on the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, comparing the violence to scenes familiar in the Middle East, where the author is based. It criticizes President Donald Trump for his repeated lies about the election results and his incitement of the rioters. The piece discusses the shock of American pundits, the double standards in the treatment of white rioters versus other racial groups, and the broader implications for American democracy. It also touches on the U.S.'s foreign policy in the Middle East and the hypocrisy of its democratic values. The article concludes by questioning the future of America and its democratic ideals, emphasizing that the world is observing the outcomes.

The article provides reviews from various reputable sources praising Rania Abouzeid's book on the Syrian uprising. The New Yorker describes it as an unparalleled account, while the Financial Times recommends it for refocusing on Syria. The New York Review of Books calls it the most perceptive journalistic account of the war. Christopher Dickey of the New York Times Book Review and The Christian Science Monitor commend Abouzeid's reporting and prose. Authors Robert F. Worth, Deborah Amos, Peter Bergen, and Barbara Demick also provide endorsements, highlighting the book's intimate war portraits and the author's deep understanding of the people involved in the uprising.

The article describes the desolation in the Syrian neighborhood of Bustan al-Basha, where a rebel fighter and his band search for food and shelter amidst abandoned homes. The area, once vibrant, is now a frontline in Aleppo's conflict, largely deserted except for rebels and remnants of civilian life. The journalist reflects on the personal and communal losses of war, the erosion of the authoritarian Syrian regime, and the uncertain future of the country's political landscape. The piece also touches on the broader changes in the Middle East, with the fall of other secular pan-Arab regimes and the rise of more conservative Islamic powers. The author connects these events to personal family experiences of loss during Lebanon's civil war, emphasizing the deep and lasting impact of conflict on individuals and societies.

The article discusses the journey of Venezuelan migrants Esther Duran and her boyfriend Jonathan Pérez as they travel from El Alto, Bolivia, to Oruro, and ultimately aim to reach Puerto Montt in southern Chile. The couple, originally from San Felipe in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela, are seeking to join friends in a region where they believe there are fewer Venezuelans. Their story highlights the routes and destinations of Venezuelan migrants in South America.