A year on from the ousting of Assad

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  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...

US and China ease trade tensions on first day of Trump’s Asia diplomacy tour

 Where things stand

 • As President Donald Trump kicks off a diplomacy tour in Asia, the US and China have reached a “basic consensus” in trade talks, Chinese negotiators said.  The announcement eases tensions ahead of Trump’s high-stakes sit-down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week.  The threat of a 100% tariff on China is now “off the table,” according to the US Treasury Secretary.

 • Trump has spent the first day of his trip in Malaysia, where he oversaw the signing of a peace agreement between the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand.  Southeast Asian leaders lavished him with praise, jokes, and applause upon his arrival. • Before he arrived in Asia, Trump announced a hike in tariffs on Canada, addressed peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, and previewed meetings with key leaders in comments made during the long-haul flight.

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