Tag Archives: Syrian opposition

Turkey Silences Syrian Refugees’ Stories

Aug 6th, 2011

Turkey Silences Syrian Refugees’ Stories

In the refugee camps along Turkey’s border with Syria, at least five babies born to Syrian women have been named Recep Tayyip,  in honor of the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. They are grateful to Turkey for opening its border to more than 15,000 refugees fleeing the violence next door. But at the same time, many refugees feel like prisoners in the refugee camps. While Turkey positions itself as a leading democracy in the Middle East, the refugees are not allowed to leave the camps — or talk to journalists. From the Yayladagi tent city, on the Turkish – Syrian border, Matthew Brunwasser reports.

Syrian Opposition Leads the Revolution DIY-style

Aug 6th, 2011

Syrian Opposition Leads the Revolution DIY-style

In Syria, the opposition to rule by President Bashir Al-Assad comes from a wide variety of groups, economically and socially. There are long time Syrian dissidents in exile, protestors inside Syria and refugees who have fled the current crackdown. Many of the groups met in Turkey last month and found it difficult to come together. One opposition group, made up of refugees who fled northern Syria, are working from a house in Antakya in southern Turkey. Matthew Brunwasser went to visit.