Baytna News
Europe Must Protect Human Rights in Syria
Assaad Al Achi, Executive Director of Baytna, argues that more efforts must and can be made by the international community to protect human rights in Syria.
The Way Forward in Syria: The Political Process, Transitional Justice, and US Policy
On April 20, 2021, Arab Center Washington DC (ACW) held a webinar titled “The Way Forward in Syria: The Political Process, Transitional Justice, and US Policy.” Panelists were Assaad Al Achi, a Syrian civil society activist and Executive Director of Baytna Syria; …
The uprising revealed to us the Syria we didn’t know
The nascent Syrian civil society movement remains the torchbearer of the original ideals of the uprising and the real anchor for peace, justice, and change., writes Assaad Al Achi.
The EU’s Role in Countering Business Involvement in Violations of International Law
Assaad al-Achi, the Executive Director of Baytna, moderated a discussion on the reconstruction process in Syria and business involvement in serious violations of international law in Syria, including displacement, violations of housing, land, and property rights, pillage, and the disproportionate destruction of civilian property.
How Syrian Civil Society Lost its Independence in a War of Conflicting Agendas
Assad Al Achi, Executive Director of Baytna, explains how Syria’s military and political opposition was effectively co-opted by regional and international actors through growing reliance on their funding.
Syrian voices: Where next for European policy?
The EU’s official line continues to be that it will only provide reconstruction assistance to Syria once “a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition is firmly under way”. The EU sees political conditionality and reconstruction as sources of leverage that it can use to effect political change. But is this position still tenable?
Listen to the voices of Syria
Beyond efforts to end the crisis itself, the international community should also acknowledge the invaluable role Syrian civil society can play in more immediate challenges — from resolving ethnic and political tensions in the northeast, to addressing thorny issues like internally displaced persons and refugee rights, gender representation, education, transitional justice, anti-corruption, and the impact of economic sanctions upon society.
From Division to Unity: How to Share Power in the Middle East and Beyond
The day after: a cautionary tale from the region.
Whither Syria’s Opposition?
Assaad Al Achi, Executive Director of Baytna, discusses where the foes of the Assad regime are today, and why Syrian NGOs are proliferating.
Civilians in Idlib left with few options as government attack looms
Assaad al-Achi, Executive Director of Baytna, speaks to Euronews about the situation in Idlib.
The Future of ISIS in Syria
Allaa Barri Speaks to Assaad al-Achi, executive director of civil society organization Baytna Syria about the future of Syria post ISIS.
Russia’s Syria talks in Sochi are destined for failure
Russia cannot be accepted as an honest broker or neutral convener for discussions pertaining to Syria’s future.
Security or Democracy: Do we need to make a choice?
Assaad al-Achi, the Executive Director of Baytna, moderates a session on fighting for democracy in the shadow of war, and developing civil alternatives to authoritarianism and extremism.
Only Civilian Protection Can Deter Further Chemical Weapons Attacks
Syrian civil society activists have expressed outrage at the latest attacks and called on Europe to take urgent action to protect Syrian civilians – or risk watching the Syrian crisis escalate.
Without Europe, no end to Syrian bloodshed
The conflict in Syria is the defining crisis of our era. The failure to deter war crimes has given rise to the global terror threat of the Islamic State and the unprecedented refugee crisis currently facing Europe, writes Assaad Al Achi.
Syrian NGOs Lament ‘Dreadful Silence’ at Summit
After the United Nations lavishly highlighted its achievements during the World Humanitarian Summit, Syrian NGOs have expressed their dismay that the gathering failed to help develop sustainable solutions to the crisis.