Equal before the law? Transitional justice in Syria

Syria’s post-revolution justice system faces a critical test with the trial of Atif Najib, a former security chief and cousin of Bashar al-Assad, for his role in the 2011 Deraa crackdown. This legal proceeding highlights the challenges of transitioning from a regime-led judiciary to one capable of addressing war crimes without established statutes for crimes against humanity. Simultaneously, the United States’ 250th anniversary series examines the ideological and social fractures of the Cold War era, tracing the impact of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement on American identity. Finally, China is experiencing a paradoxical surge in whiskey production and distillery construction, driven by luxury market demand despite a broader decline in domestic alcohol consumption. This shift reflects a strategic pivot toward high-end spirits as the country establishes national standards for single malt production.