Dear Readers,

Welcome to the weekly Syria Deeply newsletter. We’ve rounded up the most important stories and developments about Syria and the Syrians in order to bring you valuable news and analysis.

The Unknown Journey of Syria’s Refugees

The dangerous sea and land crossings that Syrian refugees are making to Europe have been well-documented, but less well known are the equally perilous journeys people take to leave Syria itself. In this first installment of a two-part series, Syria Deeply examines the illegal journey from Damascus to Turkey.

Iron Rule: Jaish al-Islam in Eastern Ghouta

Jaish al-Islam’s leader Zahran Alloush was killed by Syrian government airstrikes last year, but his successors are keeping his brutal legacy alive in Eastern Ghouta. Syria Deeply spoke to residents and former prisoners of the “Army of Islam” about the group’s severe punishment of dissent.

A Special Note to Syrian Mothers on Mother’s Day

While the Middle East celebrated its Mother’s Day on Monday, Ameenah A. Sawan recalled the first Mother’s Day of the Syrian uprising, now a bittersweet memory of cheers, fears and sadness, and wished strength to all Syrian mothers who have seen unimaginable suffering over the past five years.

More Recent Stories to Look Out for at Syria Deeply:

• Op-Ed: Locals in Idlib Take on al-Nusra Front
• New Report Details Rape in Syria’s War
• Long Sidelined, Women Raise Voices in Geneva
• #5YearsWeFled: How Our Journey Began (Part 1)
• #5YearsWeFled: How Our Journey Began (Part 2)

Find our new reporting and analysis every weekday at www.syriadeeply.org.

You can reach our team with any comments or suggestions at info@newsdeeply.org.