Rime Allaf

Days before Assad fled Syria and his violent 54-year regime collapsed in December 2024, my book nearly fully written, I could not have imagined I would be there myself almost a year later, with my book, on the day of its release. It Started in Damascus, in bookshops as of today.

@dickgregory2011 I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk Richard, was happy to see you in the audience, but by the time I had finished signing books, the room was nearly empty. Thank you for being there.

2 of the interesting things @rallaf said: Al-Sharaa's still going to be President in 5 years, as people want peace, and he's the guy to bring it Syria's economic normalisation is dependent on Trump & MBS' relationship; if Trump goes or changes his mind, there's trouble ahead

Thank you to everyone who came to @frontlineclub last night for the Syria event with @FaisalAlYafai and @HalaGorani and the discussion on my book, It Started in Damascus. I saw several familiar faces in the audience that I unfortunately did not get a chance to greet personally afterwards, met new people with great pleasure, and was happy to sign books at the end. I hope you enjoy reading it and that we continue to interact on Syria and the world.

A packed audience @frontlineclub last night to hear @rallaf @HalaGorani talk about the Syrian revolution and life under the Assads. Especially pleased to have so many unfamiliar with Syria there - as Rime writes, what happened in Syria impacts the world 👏(Photo: Louis James)

@FaisalAlYafai @frontlineclub @HalaGorani Thank you for having me! I loved the great interaction with the audience, and I'm happy to see continuing interest in understanding Syria.

On the anniversary of the Syrian revolution, it was great to listen to an insightful blend of personal testimony & history by two important Syrian voices, @rallaf and @HalaGorani, at the launch of Rime’s book It Started in Damascus at @frontlineclub, moderated by @FaisalAlYafai.

@LinaKhatibUK @HalaGorani @frontlineclub @FaisalAlYafai Thank you Lina, always a pleasure to see you and hear your perspectives!

Sold out! Tonight, I'll be sitting down @frontlineclub with @rallaf @HalaGorani on Syria's first Revolution Day to discuss It Started in Damascus. We'll talk the new govt, the rise of Bashar, life under the Assad regime. All tickets are sold but the event will be online after👏

There's no hate. There's freedom of choice in the 21st century, especially for a people who had a revolution for freedom and dignity. Each person should be free to choose whether or not to observe or to even believe in religious norms. The authorities should sort out real problems, not infringe on personal civil liberties.

@rallaf I don't understand the hate

If you came across this stupid (very stupid) "new" (not new) alcohol "ban" (not an outright ban) from the governorate of Damascus, you will have seen the usual measured reactions from all sides. Besides the question of why now, are Syrian government graphic artists working for the opposition? This image looks like an ad for a booze brand, a come have a smooth drink and chill moment. Perfect fit for the level of stupidity in arbitrary governance while the world around us burns.

@IngaSchei @RenaNetjes Indeed! Looking forward to the image of an official ban of Tinder and the like 😇

@RenaNetjes @rallaf Perhaps an Eid gift to appease his base. I imagine it will be overturned. And yes, it made everyone want a drink… they should have added a hot dude smoking a cigarette, while they were at it.

@NoorQamarAnwar @sarabiany Thank you for noticing the measured reference :)

This is one of the best responses/posts on this that I've seen. I appreciate your precision/accuracy in noting that, while stupid, the law is not new, nor isbit an outright ban. Though, I did chuckle at "measured responses". 🤭😆😏 Some people, like you, are measured, tbc... But the hysterical haters always screech like chicken little about everything — while the pompous haters pontificate their condescending condemnation of everything, both real & imagined.

@hmadsyria The first official holiday observing the revolution, they're going to milk it and they sure love the whole image and identity thing.

@rallaf How does one square the increased risk on the streets with pompous performances of security by the government? This, amidst the unaffordable energy hikes and only moderately increased salaries? People can buy the bs for only so long.

@hmadsyria Exactly, agree with you and have been ruminating about these tactics. Syrians have endured too much to be reduced to this.

@rallaf I think this was precisely the point - I believe this was a distraction from mounting anger over the economy and a deteriorating security situation (this is how I am perceiving it from others). Identity politics work when you have nothing to show for

@hmadsyria So infuriating that this is what they choose to legislate on when the entire country is waiting for solutions on literally everything else.

@rallaf That could very well be. The directive sounds quite definitive. I imagine they will introduce new laws that contain within them exceptions for hotels, or at least new regulations for licenses (and argue this current law is about ending old licenses). The backlash is strong online

@hmadsyria Well, let me turn this around and ask what if that is the one that they stick to?

@rallaf How long do you think it'll take them to release a clarification?

@goetheny1113 Here's a summary I just found, but it is incomplete as it doesn't mention that this rule dates back to before the revolution but wasn't enforced for various reasons. middleeasteye.net/news/damascus-…

@rallaf What exactly is the law?

@goetheny1113 @FaisalAlYafai @HalaGorani Sorry for the late reply, but I'm told this will be recorded so I will link when it's available, thank you.

@rallaf @FaisalAlYafai @HalaGorani Will this event be recorded? I'd love to see it.

I'll be at London's Frontline Club on March 18 discussing my book, It Started in Damascus, and the future of Syria - a country finding itself in a new geopolitical alignment during these tumultuous times. It will be in the great company of @FaisalAlYafai and @HalaGorani, do join us if you can.

Israel also bombed Umayyad Square in the heart of Damascus in July 2025 - 4 airstrikes on Syrian Ministry of Defense and other government buildings. Then they also bombed Doha in September, to kill Hamas leaders who had come to Qatar to discuss a ceasefire as proposed by the US.

@Loubnamrie @FaisalAlYafai @HalaGorani Thank you Loubna, looking forward to reading yours soon.

@rallaf @FaisalAlYafai @HalaGorani I loved ur book so much.

@Maysaloon Sorry it had to be that way, hopefully it is merely postponed for some time. 🙏

Cancelled my trip to Damascus 💔