Search results for

"Syria’s Crossroads: Revolution, Governance, and the Future of Leadership" Featuring: Wael Al-Sawah Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. - Noon Location: Hall of Nations at 2191 West Pan American Road, Balboa Park About the Program The dramatic and wholly unexpected fall of the Assad regime on Dec. 8, 2025, has altered the course of Syrian history and shifted geopolitical balances across the Levant and the greater Middle East. How did Assad fall so suddenly from power despite overt support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah? Who is Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and what is his vision for Syria? What does the fall of Assad mean for Israel and the Arab world? Wael Al-Sawah will first offer his expert and experienced analysis of the situation facing the newly installed Sharaa regime. In his words, “the fall of the Assad regime marks a monumental turning point in Syria’s history and offers an unparalleled opportunity to rebuild a state founded on justice, equality, and democracy”. In his lecture Al-Sawah will review the historical precedents of regime shifts since Syrian independence in 1946. He will also address the opportunities and various challenges facing the Sharaa regime. Following Wael’s presentation, audience members will be allowed to ask questions. About Wael al-Sawah Wael al-Sawah is a Syrian writer and researcher specializing in Levantine politics and civil society. He is the president of Pro-Justice, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to combating impunity. Al-Sawah serves as the Secretary of the American Coalition for Syria and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Syria Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington. He also holds the position of editor-in-chief at The Syrian Observer. Between 2006 and 2012, Al-Sawah worked for the US Embassy Damascus as Political Analyst and Advisor. He has authored novels and short stories and has co-authored several books in both Arabic and English. Previous Roles and Affiliations: Former Executive Director of The Day After. Former Executive Director of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression. Former Political Analyst at the US Embassy, Damascus. Member of the Steering Committee for the Temporary Compensation Project. Fellow at the Hoover Institution in the United States.

The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly presents “Nature’s Alchemy.” juried by award-winning artist, Kathleen Scoggin. The water-based media exhibition runs March 2-29, 2025 at our Gallery in The ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. The free Opening Reception is Friday, Mar 7 from 5-8 p.m. with over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings plus refreshments and the fellowship of other art enthusiasts. The Gallery is open Weds-Sun, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Please visit www.sdws.org for more information. San Diego Watercolor Society on Facebook / Instagram

We're excited to partner with the Wild Sage Homeschool group for a weekly Wednesday kids' art class! Families outside of Wild Sage are welcome to join us as well – if the Wednesday schedule fits your needs, feel free to register. Kids will enjoy the same engaging curriculum featured in our after-school art program. Parents are welcome to drop off their child for class or stay in the room during the hour while students create. Feel free to choose what works best for you! *This workshop will be on pause during Spring Break Camp (March 24 - April 4) and Summer Camp (May 30 -August 8). ArtReach San Diego on Instagram

Whether you're happily single or just not a fan of all the lovey-dovey stuff, this event is for you! Join us for an Anti-Valentine's Day Risograph Printing workshop where we celebrate singleness and reclaim Valentine's Day as a day to celebrate ourselves and our independence. Get ready to explore collage and create unique prints with a risograph machine. So grab your friends, raise a glass to being free from cheesy tropes, and let's toast to a night of creativity, empowerment, and unapologetic singleness! ArtReach San Diego on Instagram

South Korean authorities plan to investigate the border crossing and did not immediately say whether they view the incident as a defection attempt.

A new wildfire in Greece prompted evacuations in coastal areas south of Athens, as firefighters in neighboring Turkey remained locked in a battle to contain flames tearing through forested hillsides.

We discuss how to embrace aging, and learn how friendship can help us be healthier and happier as we grow older.

Plus, how the arrival of the lithium industry in Imperial County could affect local communities.

UC San Diego Health laid off 230 workers — about 1.5% of its workforce — across its clinics and hospitals last week. The cuts include many frontline workers.

The number of people in ICE detention without criminal convictions nearly doubled in the last month — a significant increase compared to detainees who have been convicted of crimes.