This article appeared in the August 27, 2025 edition of the Monitor Daily.

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In Syria, comedians dispel lingering fears with humor

When news headlines constantly showcase disturbing events from all corners of the world, humor can feel like a balm to troubled thoughts.

Dominique Soguel regularly travels to Syria to observe the nation’s emergence from under Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime. In today’s issue, she reports on a new civic awakening : the freedom to laugh in public at those once in power.

Sharief Homsi helped launch a comedy club in 2022 to redefine Damascus as a place to experience joy. “I want to tell the world what happened to us,” he told Dominique. “It will help the world reconnect with us faster through laughter.”


This article appeared in the August 27, 2025 edition of the Monitor Daily.

Read 08/27 edition
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