It Started in Damascus

Description

For decades, Syrians longed for an ordinary life. When Bashar Assad was unexpectedly toppled in December 2024, they celebrated the fall of a dynastic dictatorship. But as they strive for post-Assad justice, they must grapple with the legacy of a freedom fight begun many years before.

When Hafez Assad’s violent rule ended in 2000, many believed his son heralded change; but Bashar betrayed those hopes. When Syrians finally rose up in 2011, they were mercilessly crushed by his regime—backed by Russia and Iran—and abandoned by the Western powers claiming to support them. Now, with a new power in Damascus, can the people forge the Syria they’ve dreamed of for a quarter-century? 

Rime Allaf, Damascene herself, narrates a struggle for dignity that has shaken the world. With expert analysis, poignant storytelling and a deep personal connection with the region, she paints an intimate portrait of a devastated society, and of a resilient people determined to find peace. 

Reviews

‘A disturbing, compulsive and at times heart-in-the-mouth read.’ — Justin Marozzi, The Spectator

‘History comes alive in this book—in the intriguing detail of a Syrian who lived it, in the depth of a scholar who studied it. Syria’s brutal war changed our world—Rime Allaf helps us understand why in her page-turner of a chronicle.’ — Lyse Doucet, Chief International Correspondent, BBC News

‘Weaving her own story through an account of recent Syrian history, Rime Allaf provides a riveting insider’s perspective. She shows in painful detail how everyday life in Syria was dominated by the Assad family, so the reader understands why the country went so quickly from jubilation to jeopardy after the overthrow of Bashar Assad in 2024.’ — Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor, Channel 4 News, and author of In Extremis: The Life of War Correspondent Marie Colvin

‘A vital portrait of a nation whose fate will shape the Middle East—and the world. A Damascene and one of the region’s esteemed analysts, Allaf blends intimate, on-the-ground reportage with piercing geopolitical insight to show Syria as few outsiders ever could. In the aftermath of the Assad regime’s fall, her story makes one thing clear: to understand the future of the Middle East—with all its risks and possibilities—you must first understand Syria.’ — Janine di Giovanni, Executive Director of The Reckoning Project, and author of The Morning They Came for Us: Dispatches from Syria

‘I loved this book. Rime Allaf takes you on a journey, deeply personal at times, through Syria’s recent history and revolution, her vibrant writing bringing life to every page.’ — David Nott, author of War Doctor

‘One of the most important books on Syria and its revolution. Its human voice rises above the noise of military analyses, major political issues, ideology and stereotyping, placing the Syrian people at the heart of the story: their dreams and disappointments, their astonishing resilience, and their determination to live, despite all the death that has surrounded them for decades.’ — Dima Wannous, author of The Frightened Ones

‘A gripping and passionate account of how Syrians were subjected to fifty years of Assadisation, and how, despite betrayal and abandonment on many fronts, the long Syrian Revolution finally succeeded in breaking through. Full of forensic detail.’ — Diana Darke, author of Stealing from the Saracens; Islamesque; and My House in Damascus

Author(s)

Rime Allaf has written and spoken about Syria and the Middle East for over twenty years, including as associate fellow at Chatham House (2004–12). Raised in Europe and America in a diplomatic family, she has contributed to the BBC, Sky News, CNN, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph and others.