Beshara | The National

Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.

In December, it will be two years since Syrian rebels overthrew Bashar Al Assad's cruel and brutal regime. In our newsroom, my Syrian colleagues celebrated with sweets and pondered when they could next visit home. But beyond the initial euphoria, there was a real fear: can this new government be trusted?

It is said that a flourishing cultural and arts scene is the sign of a healthy nation. If that is to be believed, there were some encouraging signs in Syria this week. The country held its first Art Week, bringing together more than 47 Syrian artists seeking to revive the nation's cultural landscape after more than a decade of war.

The same week, Assala Nasri returned to Syria for her first performance there in 16 years. The beloved Syrian singer had lived in exile after criticising the Assad regime and supporting the revolution.

Away from the arts, the Syrian parliament also voted to abolish an anti-terrorism court that was used to prosecute thousands of people, including peaceful activists.

As our Editor-in-chief, Mina Al-Oraibi, wrote in her newsletter on Friday, The Editor's Briefing: Syria's story is still being written. But these developments are a reminder that new beginnings are possible.

Have a great week,

Juman Jarallah, Newsletter Editor

Do you have good news or positive stories you want us to share? Email Fatima at: falmahmoud@thenationalnews.com

Syria's first Art Week was held in Damascus, featuring artists mainly based in Syria, alongside musical performances, cinema screenings and art talks.

“We wanted to focus on artists based in Syria who did not get the chance to expose their work to an international audience,” Line Kouwatli, who founded and curated the event, told The National's Ahmad Fallaha in the Syrian capital.

– Eighteen-year-old Rashid Al Dhaheri, a Mercedes junior driver from the UAE, talks about how there is no single way to be a successful racing driver.

Syrian singer Assala Nasri in Damascus on September 17, her first performance there in more than 16 years. AFP

Syrian singer Assala Nasri made an emotional return to the stage in Damascus for the first time in more than 16 years, on Thursday, after her opposition to the former regime forced her into exile.

Thousands attended the performance, titled The Return of Assala, which had the backing of the country's Ministry of Culture and was one of the most high-profile cultural events since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Read about her journey back to the Syrian stage here.