Maher Akraa
@maherakraa.bsky.social
A narrative may color reality, but truth is colorless.
Design Researcher & Journalist | PhD Student at University of Zurich | Research Associate at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU).
Design Researcher & Journalist | PhD Student at University of Zurich | Research Associate at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU).
(20/20)
Post-Assad Syria—how should investigations proceed, and how can perpetrators (including Assad) be held accountable despite Russia’s support?
A) Intl tribunal
B) Hybrid court
C) Domestic courts
D) Reconciliation
Share your view!
Post-Assad Syria—how should investigations proceed, and how can perpetrators (including Assad) be held accountable despite Russia’s support?
A) Intl tribunal
B) Hybrid court
C) Domestic courts
D) Reconciliation
Share your view!
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(20/20)
Post-Assad Syria—how should investigations proceed, and how can perpetrators (including Assad) be held accountable despite Russia’s support?
A) Intl tribunal
B) Hybrid court
C) Domestic courts
D) Reconciliation
Share your view!
Post-Assad Syria—how should investigations proceed, and how can perpetrators (including Assad) be held accountable despite Russia’s support?
A) Intl tribunal
B) Hybrid court
C) Domestic courts
D) Reconciliation
Share your view!
(19/20)
Yasser’s story reminds us of the lengths used to hide atrocities. Coercion, fear, and staged testimonies must not overshadow survivors who seek truth.
Yasser’s story reminds us of the lengths used to hide atrocities. Coercion, fear, and staged testimonies must not overshadow survivors who seek truth.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(19/20)
Yasser’s story reminds us of the lengths used to hide atrocities. Coercion, fear, and staged testimonies must not overshadow survivors who seek truth.
Yasser’s story reminds us of the lengths used to hide atrocities. Coercion, fear, and staged testimonies must not overshadow survivors who seek truth.
(18/20)
Regardless, Douma and other battered towns like Eastern Ghouta, Khan Sheikhoun, and beyond yearn for closure. Exposing forced denials is key to revealing the regime’s war crimes.
Regardless, Douma and other battered towns like Eastern Ghouta, Khan Sheikhoun, and beyond yearn for closure. Exposing forced denials is key to revealing the regime’s war crimes.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(18/20)
Regardless, Douma and other battered towns like Eastern Ghouta, Khan Sheikhoun, and beyond yearn for closure. Exposing forced denials is key to revealing the regime’s war crimes.
Regardless, Douma and other battered towns like Eastern Ghouta, Khan Sheikhoun, and beyond yearn for closure. Exposing forced denials is key to revealing the regime’s war crimes.
(17/20)
Now, the challenge is justice. Many push for an international tribunal, while others suggest hybrid courts. Russia’s involvement complicates accountability for chemical crimes.
Now, the challenge is justice. Many push for an international tribunal, while others suggest hybrid courts. Russia’s involvement complicates accountability for chemical crimes.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(17/20)
Now, the challenge is justice. Many push for an international tribunal, while others suggest hybrid courts. Russia’s involvement complicates accountability for chemical crimes.
Now, the challenge is justice. Many push for an international tribunal, while others suggest hybrid courts. Russia’s involvement complicates accountability for chemical crimes.
(16/20)
Locals had to label it “smoke and dust.” Russian-driven narratives dismissed victims. But evidence—photos, witness accounts, OPCW findings—points to repeated chemical warfare.
Locals had to label it “smoke and dust.” Russian-driven narratives dismissed victims. But evidence—photos, witness accounts, OPCW findings—points to repeated chemical warfare.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(16/20)
Locals had to label it “smoke and dust.” Russian-driven narratives dismissed victims. But evidence—photos, witness accounts, OPCW findings—points to repeated chemical warfare.
Locals had to label it “smoke and dust.” Russian-driven narratives dismissed victims. But evidence—photos, witness accounts, OPCW findings—points to repeated chemical warfare.
(15/20)
The regime collapsed recently, and Syrians are finally free to speak. The Guardian reports survivors describing how chlorine sank into basements, suffocating families hiding below.
The regime collapsed recently, and Syrians are finally free to speak. The Guardian reports survivors describing how chlorine sank into basements, suffocating families hiding below.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(15/20)
The regime collapsed recently, and Syrians are finally free to speak. The Guardian reports survivors describing how chlorine sank into basements, suffocating families hiding below.
The regime collapsed recently, and Syrians are finally free to speak. The Guardian reports survivors describing how chlorine sank into basements, suffocating families hiding below.
(14/20)
Yasser now apologises: “I regret the lies I told under duress. May the victims’ families forgive me.” His story spotlights a system of intimidation enforced by Damascus & Moscow.
Yasser now apologises: “I regret the lies I told under duress. May the victims’ families forgive me.” His story spotlights a system of intimidation enforced by Damascus & Moscow.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(14/20)
Yasser now apologises: “I regret the lies I told under duress. May the victims’ families forgive me.” His story spotlights a system of intimidation enforced by Damascus & Moscow.
Yasser now apologises: “I regret the lies I told under duress. May the victims’ families forgive me.” His story spotlights a system of intimidation enforced by Damascus & Moscow.
(13/20)
OPCW verified at least 17 chemical attacks in Syria. Despite treaties, Russia’s disinformation and UN vetoes often derailed accountability, letting the regime obscure truth.
OPCW verified at least 17 chemical attacks in Syria. Despite treaties, Russia’s disinformation and UN vetoes often derailed accountability, letting the regime obscure truth.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(13/20)
OPCW verified at least 17 chemical attacks in Syria. Despite treaties, Russia’s disinformation and UN vetoes often derailed accountability, letting the regime obscure truth.
OPCW verified at least 17 chemical attacks in Syria. Despite treaties, Russia’s disinformation and UN vetoes often derailed accountability, letting the regime obscure truth.
(12/20)
Chemical weapons weren’t used just in Douma. Eastern Ghouta (2013) saw sarin kill up to 1,400. Khan Sheikhoun (2017) also faced suspected sarin. Repeated attacks defied Syria’s membership in the CWC.
Chemical weapons weren’t used just in Douma. Eastern Ghouta (2013) saw sarin kill up to 1,400. Khan Sheikhoun (2017) also faced suspected sarin. Repeated attacks defied Syria’s membership in the CWC.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(12/20)
Chemical weapons weren’t used just in Douma. Eastern Ghouta (2013) saw sarin kill up to 1,400. Khan Sheikhoun (2017) also faced suspected sarin. Repeated attacks defied Syria’s membership in the CWC.
Chemical weapons weren’t used just in Douma. Eastern Ghouta (2013) saw sarin kill up to 1,400. Khan Sheikhoun (2017) also faced suspected sarin. Repeated attacks defied Syria’s membership in the CWC.
(11/20)
79-year-old Tawfiq lost his wife & 4 children. He was told: “We’ll cut off your tongue if you speak.” He never found their remains. This fear kept Douma quiet for years.
79-year-old Tawfiq lost his wife & 4 children. He was told: “We’ll cut off your tongue if you speak.” He never found their remains. This fear kept Douma quiet for years.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(11/20)
79-year-old Tawfiq lost his wife & 4 children. He was told: “We’ll cut off your tongue if you speak.” He never found their remains. This fear kept Douma quiet for years.
79-year-old Tawfiq lost his wife & 4 children. He was told: “We’ll cut off your tongue if you speak.” He never found their remains. This fear kept Douma quiet for years.
(10/20)
According to The Guardian (Dec 2024), 43 people died in Douma’s chlorine attack. Civilians in basements were exposed to lethal gas. Bodies turned “blue and black.” Survivors were threatened into silence.
According to The Guardian (Dec 2024), 43 people died in Douma’s chlorine attack. Civilians in basements were exposed to lethal gas. Bodies turned “blue and black.” Survivors were threatened into silence.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(10/20)
According to The Guardian (Dec 2024), 43 people died in Douma’s chlorine attack. Civilians in basements were exposed to lethal gas. Bodies turned “blue and black.” Survivors were threatened into silence.
According to The Guardian (Dec 2024), 43 people died in Douma’s chlorine attack. Civilians in basements were exposed to lethal gas. Bodies turned “blue and black.” Survivors were threatened into silence.
(9/20)
Coercion of witnesses is common. Anadolu Agency (Dec 2024) cited another Douma resident who lost family in the 2018 attack but was forced to say it was “regular shelling.”
Coercion of witnesses is common. Anadolu Agency (Dec 2024) cited another Douma resident who lost family in the 2018 attack but was forced to say it was “regular shelling.”
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(9/20)
Coercion of witnesses is common. Anadolu Agency (Dec 2024) cited another Douma resident who lost family in the 2018 attack but was forced to say it was “regular shelling.”
Coercion of witnesses is common. Anadolu Agency (Dec 2024) cited another Douma resident who lost family in the 2018 attack but was forced to say it was “regular shelling.”
(8/20)
Back in Damascus, they were returned to Branch 251. Summoned repeatedly, Yasser felt shame facing Douma’s people, fearing another forced interview each April.
Back in Damascus, they were returned to Branch 251. Summoned repeatedly, Yasser felt shame facing Douma’s people, fearing another forced interview each April.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(8/20)
Back in Damascus, they were returned to Branch 251. Summoned repeatedly, Yasser felt shame facing Douma’s people, fearing another forced interview each April.
Back in Damascus, they were returned to Branch 251. Summoned repeatedly, Yasser felt shame facing Douma’s people, fearing another forced interview each April.
(7/20)
Yasser recalls wanting to seek asylum in The Hague: “We saw a French building and thought of jumping the fence to tell the truth, but we feared for our families.”
Yasser recalls wanting to seek asylum in The Hague: “We saw a French building and thought of jumping the fence to tell the truth, but we feared for our families.”
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(7/20)
Yasser recalls wanting to seek asylum in The Hague: “We saw a French building and thought of jumping the fence to tell the truth, but we feared for our families.”
Yasser recalls wanting to seek asylum in The Hague: “We saw a French building and thought of jumping the fence to tell the truth, but we feared for our families.”
(6/20)
UN records (7 Feb 2023) show Syria & Russia brought 17 Douma ‘witnesses’ to the OPCW in April 2018, claiming they refuted attack claims. Yet OPCW found chlorine-laden cylinders likely dropped from a Syrian helicopter.
UN records (7 Feb 2023) show Syria & Russia brought 17 Douma ‘witnesses’ to the OPCW in April 2018, claiming they refuted attack claims. Yet OPCW found chlorine-laden cylinders likely dropped from a Syrian helicopter.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(6/20)
UN records (7 Feb 2023) show Syria & Russia brought 17 Douma ‘witnesses’ to the OPCW in April 2018, claiming they refuted attack claims. Yet OPCW found chlorine-laden cylinders likely dropped from a Syrian helicopter.
UN records (7 Feb 2023) show Syria & Russia brought 17 Douma ‘witnesses’ to the OPCW in April 2018, claiming they refuted attack claims. Yet OPCW found chlorine-laden cylinders likely dropped from a Syrian helicopter.
(5/20)
Suddenly, he was flown to Moscow, then to The Hague (OPCW HQ). There, he repeated the false narrative, with no Western delegates present, to refute allegations of a chemical attack.
Suddenly, he was flown to Moscow, then to The Hague (OPCW HQ). There, he repeated the false narrative, with no Western delegates present, to refute allegations of a chemical attack.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(5/20)
Suddenly, he was flown to Moscow, then to The Hague (OPCW HQ). There, he repeated the false narrative, with no Western delegates present, to refute allegations of a chemical attack.
Suddenly, he was flown to Moscow, then to The Hague (OPCW HQ). There, he repeated the false narrative, with no Western delegates present, to refute allegations of a chemical attack.
(4/20)
He alleges Russians oversaw everything: “They dictated statements and rehearsals, ensuring we repeated the official story to absolve the regime of blame.”
He alleges Russians oversaw everything: “They dictated statements and rehearsals, ensuring we repeated the official story to absolve the regime of blame.”
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(4/20)
He alleges Russians oversaw everything: “They dictated statements and rehearsals, ensuring we repeated the official story to absolve the regime of blame.”
He alleges Russians oversaw everything: “They dictated statements and rehearsals, ensuring we repeated the official story to absolve the regime of blame.”
(3/20)
After the regime retook Douma, Yasser and his family were detained in Branch 251. Officials dictated what he must say on camera, re-filming until his words matched their script.
After the regime retook Douma, Yasser and his family were detained in Branch 251. Officials dictated what he must say on camera, re-filming until his words matched their script.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(3/20)
After the regime retook Douma, Yasser and his family were detained in Branch 251. Officials dictated what he must say on camera, re-filming until his words matched their script.
After the regime retook Douma, Yasser and his family were detained in Branch 251. Officials dictated what he must say on camera, re-filming until his words matched their script.
(2/20)
He stayed in Douma amid intense bombing & siege. On 7 April 2018, chemical weapons struck near Martyrs’ Square. Yasser was in constant surgeries when lethal gas flooded the emergency rooms, claiming many lives.
He stayed in Douma amid intense bombing & siege. On 7 April 2018, chemical weapons struck near Martyrs’ Square. Yasser was in constant surgeries when lethal gas flooded the emergency rooms, claiming many lives.
January 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
(2/20)
He stayed in Douma amid intense bombing & siege. On 7 April 2018, chemical weapons struck near Martyrs’ Square. Yasser was in constant surgeries when lethal gas flooded the emergency rooms, claiming many lives.
He stayed in Douma amid intense bombing & siege. On 7 April 2018, chemical weapons struck near Martyrs’ Square. Yasser was in constant surgeries when lethal gas flooded the emergency rooms, claiming many lives.
(10/10)
The “Idlib model” doesn’t suit a modern state, says the magazine. While conservative Sunnis cheer Assad’s downfall, real tests of tolerance loom.
Will al-Sharaa’s pragmatism triumph, or will hard-liners tighten their grip? Uncertain—but hope for coexistence endures.
The “Idlib model” doesn’t suit a modern state, says the magazine. While conservative Sunnis cheer Assad’s downfall, real tests of tolerance loom.
Will al-Sharaa’s pragmatism triumph, or will hard-liners tighten their grip? Uncertain—but hope for coexistence endures.
January 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
(10/10)
The “Idlib model” doesn’t suit a modern state, says the magazine. While conservative Sunnis cheer Assad’s downfall, real tests of tolerance loom.
Will al-Sharaa’s pragmatism triumph, or will hard-liners tighten their grip? Uncertain—but hope for coexistence endures.
The “Idlib model” doesn’t suit a modern state, says the magazine. While conservative Sunnis cheer Assad’s downfall, real tests of tolerance loom.
Will al-Sharaa’s pragmatism triumph, or will hard-liners tighten their grip? Uncertain—but hope for coexistence endures.
• The Economist cites Marwan Tayyar, an art-house director, who recalls the 14th-century Mongol conqueror Tamerlane eventually calmed in Damascus: “You can conquer Damascus, but you can’t defeat its spirit.” ✨
January 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
• The Economist cites Marwan Tayyar, an art-house director, who recalls the 14th-century Mongol conqueror Tamerlane eventually calmed in Damascus: “You can conquer Damascus, but you can’t defeat its spirit.” ✨
(9/10)
Despite tensions, Damascus keeps some openness:
• Bars remain open, though casinos were attacked.
• An art show (including nudes) may reopen at the National Museum.
Despite tensions, Damascus keeps some openness:
• Bars remain open, though casinos were attacked.
• An art show (including nudes) may reopen at the National Museum.
January 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
(9/10)
Despite tensions, Damascus keeps some openness:
• Bars remain open, though casinos were attacked.
• An art show (including nudes) may reopen at the National Museum.
Despite tensions, Damascus keeps some openness:
• Bars remain open, though casinos were attacked.
• An art show (including nudes) may reopen at the National Museum.
(8/10)
Diplomatically, The Economist says al-Sharaa seeks global recognition for funds & sanction relief.
• Turkish-backed militias & UAE-backed groups vie for sway in “New Syria.”
• Al-Sharaa must juggle sponsors while checking jihadists pushing strict Sharia 🤔.
Diplomatically, The Economist says al-Sharaa seeks global recognition for funds & sanction relief.
• Turkish-backed militias & UAE-backed groups vie for sway in “New Syria.”
• Al-Sharaa must juggle sponsors while checking jihadists pushing strict Sharia 🤔.
January 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
(8/10)
Diplomatically, The Economist says al-Sharaa seeks global recognition for funds & sanction relief.
• Turkish-backed militias & UAE-backed groups vie for sway in “New Syria.”
• Al-Sharaa must juggle sponsors while checking jihadists pushing strict Sharia 🤔.
Diplomatically, The Economist says al-Sharaa seeks global recognition for funds & sanction relief.
• Turkish-backed militias & UAE-backed groups vie for sway in “New Syria.”
• Al-Sharaa must juggle sponsors while checking jihadists pushing strict Sharia 🤔.