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Uncovering Syria's Hidden Tragedy: 100,000 Disappearances

8/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

An investigation by Shane Bauer in the New York Times Magazine uncovers the legacy of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, which "disappeared" approximately 100,000 individuals, including many children.
Children were often detained with parents, placed in orphanages, and later conscripted into the military.
Documents reveal that SOS Children's Villages received children from secret prisons while concealing their origins.

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Story summary

An investigation by Shane Bauer in the New York Times Magazine uncovers the legacy of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, which "disappeared" approximately 100,000 individuals, including many children.
Children were often detained with parents, placed in orphanages, and later conscripted into the military.
Documents reveal that SOS Children's Villages received children from secret prisons while concealing their origins.