Damascus Spring

The Damascus Spring (Arabic: ربيع دمشق‎, Rabīʻi Dimashq) was a period of intense political and social debate in Syria which started after the death of President Hafiz al-Asad in June 2000 and continued to some degree until autumn 2001, when most of the activities associated with it were suppressed by the government. It started with the Statement of 99 and the establishing of the Committees of Civil Society, then the Statement of 1000 was issued carrying the signature of 1000 Syrian intellectuals in 2001.

Read more about Damascus Spring:  Background, Events, Aftermath

Famous quotes containing the word spring:

    A noble company gathered to develop a society that would create harmony, love, and usefulness. Now I sit on the grave of great hopes.... I look back to see a light that went out from it—small, but bright and pure and true.
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