A year on from the ousting of Assad

Image
  Damascus, Syria — “Hold your head high, you’re a free Syrian.” The refrain of this Arabic song—now widely embraced as the unofficial anthem of a new Syria—echoes throughout Damascus. It blares from market loudspeakers, rings out during celebrations in the central square, and is even sung by the man offering traditional coffee to new arrivals at the airport. For decades, many Syrians lived with lowered gazes under the authoritarian rule of the Al-Assad family. The regime maintained an expansive surveillance system in which the feared Mukhabarat , the intelligence network, kept the population in check. Remaining silent was often the safest choice—until the Arab Spring ignited an uprising, and Assad’s fierce response plunged the nation into a ten-year civil war. Today, Syrians are openly and energetically marking the first anniversary of what they regard as their liberation from Assad’s government. The celebration follows a rapid rebel offensive on December 8 last year, led by fo...

Islamabad airport to shut down for 8 eight days



Flight operations at Islamabad International Airport will face temporary suspensions on select days in August due to Independence Day parade rehearsals, the Pakistan Airport Authority announced.

 During rehearsals, flights will be halted. The authority has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stating that on August 11, 12, and 13 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., arrivals and departures will be suspended. Airlines have been directed not to schedule any flights during these hours.

 Additionally, additional suspension days earlier in the month are covered by the NOTAM. In order to accommodate parade practice, flight operations will be suspended for varying lengths from August 6 to 9 and from August 11 to 14. In these eight days, a special daytime suspension will take place between 11am and 1pm.

 It is advised that passengers check the schedules. To avoid inconvenience, authorities have urged travelers to confirm their flight times in advance. Airlines are expected to adjust schedules and notify passengers of any changes.

 The brief suspensions are part of the security and logistical preparations for Pakistan's 77th Independence Day celebrations, which will take place in the federal capital with a full ceremonial display.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Japan tells residents to evacuate as powerful earthquake strikes north-east

User Receives MSI RTX 5090 With GPU And VRAM Chips Torn Off PCB

How AI Policy 2025 Can Shape a Digital Future for All