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"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.

Most — but not all — political scientists are deeply troubled by the president's attempts to expand executive power, according to a national survey.

PUBLIC THERAPY THEATRE! Join master self-expression facilitator Tes Kempner for an electrifying evening of release, empowerment, and creativity! You’ll have the chance to free pent-up energy, unlock suppressed joy, and express yourself in ways you never thought possible. Each session, a few volunteers will have the chance to “theatricalize” personal stories in a transformative way. Sing, dance, shout, laugh, cry—spectate or participate in a safe, supportive, and dynamic space where all authentic expression is welcome. No performance experience required! About the Instructor: Tes Kempner has 3+ decades of experience as a public expressor – actor, singer, workshop leader, speaker, teacher, performance coach, shamanic sound healer, mediator and non-denominational minister.

In a rare break with the president, some inside the GOP are expressing concern over the potential national security risks of accepting a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to replace Air Force One.

Critics see the terminations as an effort to politicize the Holocaust museum. The White House says Trump will appoint new board members "who are also steadfast supporters of the State of Israel."

Criticism of "activist" judges predates the term and has come from both ends of the political spectrum. Democratic and Republican presidents alike have accused the courts of exceeding their constitutional role.

Suzie Hicks the Climate Chick is an up-and-coming educator and TV host with a YouTube series tailored to kids ages 4 through 8.

The international community reacts to the death of Pope Francis, a global figure whose influence went beyond the Catholic Church.

Taking a page from President Trump's playbook, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced visa restrictions, using language his critics said was dangerous.

Years after their son left the U.S. to join ISIS, a Minnesota couple learned they had two young grandsons trapped in a Syrian desert camp. Bringing them home was complicated — and took years.