With the emergence of Islamic State, Syria has returned to the headlines, and we devote this issue to the people of that war torn country.
After the UK Parliament voted for the bombing of IS in Iraq, we look at the nature of Islamic State and the efforts of various countries to halt its expansion in the Middle East.
Photo Credit: http://urartutravel.eu/
Also nearby, the children of Syria are suffering during their long civil war and their experiences will be shown through their art at a forthcoming exhibition in Edinburgh, with the help of the Peace and Justice Centre.
In Unsung Heroes, two Syrian Peace Activists are highlighted as is the work of the brave and enterprising organisation called “Young Syrian Activists”.
Poetry has always been central to Syrian culture and we feature a review and a recent poem by Najat Abdul Samad, which is one of many translated into English by Gharda Alatrash.
A taste of Drew Dillinger’s recent spoken word performance, organised by The Peace and Justice Centre is available in his book “Love Letter to the Milky Way “, which is reviewed here.
September was a busy month for activists, and we report on the many actions and demonstrations, including the Climate Change March, the action at Faslane, and Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Douglas Shaw
