Story perspectives

Waad Al-Kateab Returns to Document Syria's Painful Recovery

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Waad Al-Kateab, filmmaker, returns home one year after Bashar al-Assad fled Syria amid an insurgent takeover.
She documents devastation caused by Assad's regime, which has resulted in over half a million deaths.
Al-Kateab recalls escaping Aleppo while pregnant and fearing regime checkpoints.
She visits significant places, including the last hospital where her husband worked, while saying, "Syria is exhausted, wounded, but it's still breathing, still dreaming."

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Story summary

Waad Al-Kateab, filmmaker, returns home one year after Bashar al-Assad fled Syria amid an insurgent takeover.
She documents devastation caused by Assad's regime, which has resulted in over half a million deaths.
Al-Kateab recalls escaping Aleppo while pregnant and fearing regime checkpoints.
She visits significant places, including the last hospital where her husband worked, while saying, "Syria is exhausted, wounded, but it's still breathing, still dreaming."