Bashar al-Assad’s regime has fallen in Syria. How will this impact an already fractured region?

By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

The swift and unexpected fall of the Syrian capital, Damascus, to Sunni opposition forces marks a pivotal moment in the modern history of the Middle East.

Bashar al-Assad’s regime had withstood more than a decade of uprisings, civil war and international sanctions since the onset of widespread protests in 2011. Yet, it collapsed in a remarkably short period of time.

This sudden turn of events, with the opposition advancing without…

Read complete article

~	Australia has a new autism strategy but questions remain for those who don’t get NDIS support

~	Fruit and veg, exercise, frequent bloodletting and more tips on staying healthy from medieval travellers

~	The world’s largest gathering: how India plans to keep 400 million pilgrims safe at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival

~	First Person: Syrian migrant shipwreck survivor vows to reconstruct shattered country

~	Cyberattack affecting school boards spotlights the need for better EdTech regulation in Ontario and beyond

~	LA fires: Why fast wildfires and those started by human activities are more destructive and harder to contain

~	Fertile land for growing vegetables is at risk — but a scientific discovery could turn the tide

~	Ecology of Fear: Mike Davis’ history of LA and natural disaster is re-read whenever fire rages in California

~	Surveillance tech is changing our behaviour – and our brains

~	Long-acting contraceptives seem to be as safe as the pill when it comes to cancer risk: new study