The Intelligence from The Economist Mass graves: revealing Syria’s horror
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Dec 18, 2024 
Gareth Brown, a correspondent who bravely reported from Syria, shares his harrowing experience visiting a suspected mass grave near Damascus. He details the chilling aftermath of the regime's brutal rule and the emotional toll on families seeking their loved ones. The discussion also shifts to France's political turmoil as they navigate leadership challenges under President Macron. Additionally, they touch on notable films for 2024, including engaging narratives on relationships and societal issues, showcasing the interplay of grief and imagination.
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Visiting Suspected Mass Grave
- Gareth Brown visited a suspected mass grave site near Damascus, Syria.
- The site, a walled compound the size of several football fields, was eerily silent, filled with only stray dogs and abandoned military quarters.
Scale of the Horror
- Locals believe the site near Damascus could be Syria's largest mass grave, potentially holding thousands of bodies.
- The town of Al-Qataifa, a former garrison town, was ruled by fear under Assad's regime.
Origins of the Buried
- Many of the bodies are suspected to be political prisoners from Sa'dnaya prison.
- Overcrowding in regular cemeteries during the civil war led to the creation of mass graves like this one.