SYRIA DIRECT is an independent, nonprofit media and training organization. We are dedicated to telling Syrian stories and mentoring Syrian journalists in accordance with the highest editorial and ethical standards of journalism. Founded in 2013 in Amman, we are now a registered a non-profit organization in Germany financed through grants and projects.
Mission: We produce high-quality, in-depth reporting on Syria and Syrians across the world, and work to develop Syria’s independent media space by training, platforming and mentoring journalists.
Vision: We envision a vibrant, pluralistic, independent Syrian mediascape that holds power to account, highlights marginalized voices, and informs decision-makers.
Our main activities are:
1) Media coverage: We produce fact-based, accountability-driven journalism through original news reports, investigations, and multimedia content on Syria and the Syrian diaspora.
2) Training: We deliver trainings and workshops on basic and advanced journalism skills, including investigative and conflict sensitive reporting.
Our Team
Ammar Hamou is the Arabic Editor at Syria Direct. Originally from Eastern Ghouta, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media from Arab Open University, and has participated in journalism trainings in the United States, Europe and Jordan. He has worked for Syria Direct since 2013 and makes regular appearances on Syria TV, Al Araby TV, and Radio Orient. In addition to his extensive, award-winning reporting, Ammar has published in-depth studies on the role of Russia in the Syrian conflict, and the UN response in Syria.
Mateo Nelson is the English Editor at Syria Direct. He is a journalist and Arabic-to-English translator focused on Syria since 2015. He holds a joint Master’s degree in Journalism and Near Eastern Studies from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern Studies and Arabic from Princeton University. He was a Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) fellow in Jordan, an Overseas Press Club Foundation scholar and a Moment Institute Middle East fellow. 
Natacha Danon is the Programs & Admin Manager at Syria Direct. She has worked as a journalist and researcher on Syria for over 8 years in the media, humanitarian, and stabilization sectors. She holds a Master’s degree in International Security from Sciences Po and a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from Bates College. Her areas of focus include governance, civil society, and humanitarian affairs.
Walid Al Nofal is an investigative reporter and researcher. Originally from Daraa, he has covered the Syrian conflict since 2011 from Syria and Jordan. He has worked for Syria Direct since 2016, and published pieces with other news organizations, including Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor, Al-Modon, and Araby Post. He has also consulted for several think tanks, such as Chatham House and the Carnegie Middle East Center. His work is focused on geopolitical dynamics, economic affairs, and human rights.
Salam Ali has worked for more than 6 years in journalism, radio, and television in northeastern Syria. Originally from Aleppo province, her reporting mainly focuses on Kurdish politics, human rights and displacement dynamics.
Feras Azzam is the Finance & Admin Coordinator at Syria Direct. Originally from Qamishli, he has over 7 years of experience working in finance for INGOs. He holds a Master’s Degree from Aleppo University in Information Technology.Our Board
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