[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Syria and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Syria Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week's roundup to syria@jadaliyya.com by Monday night of every week.]
International and Regional Perspectives
Will Brahimi Get a Breakthrough?Vijay Prashad on the dangerous developments and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria
For Whom the Syrian Bell Tolls Pepe Escobar writes:“the top geopolitical tragedy in 2012 is bound to remain the top geopolitical tragedy in 2013: the rape of Syria.”
Senior Syrian Official in US and co-Operating with Intelligence Agencies Martin Chulov says that the details of Makdissi’s whereabouts remain nebulous
A Word of Advice About The Middle East-We’ve Reached the ‘Tipping Point’ With Cliches Robert Fisk says “you’ve got to be careful when Syria’s rebels are perpetually ‘closing in’”
Winter’s Edge for Syrian Refugees in ErsalAfif Diab talks to refugees at the Syria-Lebanon border.
Syria’s War Leaves its Scars on the Children Deborah Amos meets with Syrian schoolteachers in the Turkish city of Gaziantep
Syrian Narratives
Navigating the Syrian Opposition Darth Nader outlines three main types of opposition activists: the pacifist crowd, the FSA-are-always-right-and-can-do-no-harm crowd, and everyone else.
La Syrie au Jour le Jour 3. Quelle Barbarie Pour Quel Etat?Inspired by the writings of late sociologist Michel Seurat, Aurelien Pialou delves into the Syrian regime’s consolidation of power.
Assad’s War on the Red Crescent David Kenner reveals the entanglement behind the politics of humanitarian aid in Syria.
After all This Misery How Can Syrians Live Together Again? Hassan Hassan says “vengeance does not build a nation, it simply damages it further.”
All (Syrian) Politics is Local Hassan Hassan says tribal leaders have the power to ensure that the country does not become a breeding ground for extremism
Syrian Lenders Hit by Board Resignations Amid ‘Political Exposure’
The Most Dangerous Beat on Earth Four journalists share their experiences in covering the situation in Syria.
Inside Syria
From Bread to Front Lines Steven Sotloff meets with Aleppines who are divided over a war that shows not end in sight.
Under Siege Damascus Gets Desperate for Food and Fuel Mikel Ayestaran on how Damascus deals with the skyrocketing prices, the power shortages and the internal refugee crisis.
Homs After the Battle: Quiet, But No PeaceMarah Mashi discovers new “unintentional landmarks of Homs”: The Thieves Markets, the Zahraa Labyrinth and Bab al-Dreib.
The Forgotten Mental Patients on Syria’s FrontlinesDar al-Ajaza hospital in Aleppo is struggling to find staff and medication for its patients.
Conversation: Life in Homs, Struggling Schools A Homs schoolteacher writes about the current political and social rifts in Homs.
Syria Crisis: Low-Key Christmas for Christians Lina Sinjab meets with Damascenes who, for the second consecutive Christmas, are in “no mood to celebrate.”
Art and Social Media
How the Face of the Syrian Regime Betrayed Assad Over Twitter David Kenner attempts to contextualize Makdissi’s defection using the latter’s July conversations with activist Rami Jarrah.
Dear Syria, Save Damascus’ Old City Graeme Wood worries about the capital’s Old City, which could be the next battleground.
Aleppo’s History under Threat A brief visual overview of the damages on the cultural and historical landmarks in Aleppo
Policy and Reports
Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan (1 January-30 June 2013) Report from the United Nations (modified for a third time this year)
Syria Regional Response Plan (1 January-30 June 2013) Report from the United Nations (modified for a fourth time this year)
UN Periodic Update on developments in Syria
Arabic
تقسيم سوريا: دروس الماضي وشواهد الحاضر
Mostafa Allabbad provides his historical analysis of partition as a solution for Syria.
الحرب الأهلية في سوريا: انفراط المشرق العربي
Amer Hasan writes about the civil war in Syria and the effects of Jihadist Salafist armed groups such as the Al-Nusra Front on the country.
Abdel Bari Atwan writes about the future of Syria.
حماه.. مدينة في حسابات حرب ومخاوف
Tarek Al-Abed writes about the recent escalation of events in Hama.
الأطراف الخارجية ومستقبل سوريا
Fayez Sarrah writes on the international implications of the struggle in Syria.
Raed Wahsh recounts the stories of street vendors and everyday actors in the suburbs and villages of Syria.
تقرير مصور حول اوضاع اللاجئين السوريين في مخيم الزعتري في الاردن .. حمودة مكاوي
Hamouda Makkawi provides a report with pictures on the situation of Syrian refugees in the Zaatari camp in Jordan.
Some of Syrian poet Jolan Haji's poems.
Kamal Deeb writes a reflection of his own views on the situation in Syria and calls for a more well-
rounded analysis of the future of the struggle.
مواد البناء تعبر بكثافة من تركيا إلى شمالي سوريا
Rasha Rami writes about the smuggling of construction material through the Turkish border.