{"title":"Rime Allaf","description":"\u003cp\u003eRime Allaf offers compelling insights into the complex intersections of politics and personal experience, particularly in the Middle East. Her work explores themes of identity, conflict, and social change with a keen eye on the human stories behind global events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt Started in Damascus\u003c\/em\u003e exemplifies her ability to weave current affairs with intimate narratives, inviting readers to engage deeply with the political realities shaping contemporary life. This collection is an essential resource for anyone interested in thoughtful, nuanced perspectives on world affairs.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"it-started-in-damascus-by-rime-allaf-9781805264118","title":"It Started in Damascus","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA gripping social and political chronicle of the causes and consequences of Syria's 2011 revolution, and its continuing global fallout.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSyrians have longed for the ordinary life that eluded them for decades. When President Bashar Assad was unexpectedly overthrown in December 2024, they celebrated the end of a dictatorial dynasty. But as they strive for post-Assad justice, they must grapple with the legacy of a fight for freedom that started many years earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDamascus-born Rime Allaf tells the poignant story of a struggle for dignity that has shaken the world. When Hafez Assad's violent rule ended in 2000, many believed his son would bring change. Instead, Bashar spent his first decade in power meddling regionally and reneging on promises of domestic reform. When Syrians finally rose up in revolution in 2011, they were mercilessly crushed by the regime, with extensive Iranian and Russian support, and abandoned by the foreign powers claiming to support them. The consequences of these events still reverberate internationally, in the largest refugee crisis since World War Two and in a new global order that has weakened democracy and privileged authoritarians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombining expert analysis, evocative storytelling and the author's deep personal connection with the region, \u003cem\u003eIt Started in Damascus\u003c\/em\u003e paints an intimate portrait of a devastated society and a resilient people determined to find their peace. It is a haunting, sensitive, powerful read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47486140186860,"sku":"9781805264118","price":44.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/1d9939a8dbfacef5c168d49bf3826865.jpg?v=1775780161"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/rime-allaf.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}