Bio
Ammar Hamou
Senior Arabic Editor
Ammar Hamou is a Senior Editor. Originally from East Ghouta outside the Syrian capital, Ammar studied journalism at Damascus University. He has participated in numerous journalism trainings in the US, Europe and Jordan, and has published in-depth research on the Syrian conflict.
Latest Articles
Fleeing the homeland: Real estate sales finance migration from Hama city
Nearly 13 years after the revolution, Syrians continue to flee the country—this time for economic reasons. In regime-held Hama city, financial hardship is driving a renewed wave of migration, as residents sell homes and property to fund a way out.
From Idlib to Gaza: Syrians demonstrate in solidarity with Palestinians
Residents of Syria’s opposition-held northwest demonstrate in support of Palestinians facing displacement and bombardment in Gaza—an experience many of them share.
On the 12th anniversary of the revolution, Syrians look for a way forward
On the twelfth anniversary of the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in March 2011, “everything is different on the ground from what it was the first year,” its course far from the aspirations of those who took part.
In northwestern Syria, the afflicted rush to each other’s aid amid international community’s inaction
Racing against time, civilian survivors of the earthquake in northwestern Syria helped search through the rubble, bury the dead and care for the living this week, driven by feelings of responsibility for their community and the lack of an immediate international response.
‘Running out of breath’: Have Syrians been left to face the earthquake alone?
Rescue teams in several countries have mobilized to help Turkey rescue the victims of Monday’s devastating earthquake, but so far no aid or personnel have entered northwestern Syria, where residents are turning to displacement camps as a refuge.
What cards does the Syrian opposition hold to prevent normalization between Ankara and Damascus?
The issue of human rights is one card the Syrian opposition can play to obstruct moves towards normalization with Assad, but the end scenarios may not be in its favor, with a “piecemeal” political settlement not in accordance with Resolution 2254.
‘A ticking time bomb’: Hellish work at northwestern Syria’s makeshift oil refineries
In northwestern Syria, hundreds of makeshift refineries have mushroomed in the past five years, employing thousands of people.
With no regulation, their impact on health, life and the environment is catastrophic.
How Syria’s makeshift refineries poison people—and the land that sustains them (Photos)
Makeshift oil refineries endanger the health of workers and local communities in northwestern Syria. But their environmental impact, often overlooked, will also affect generations to come.
‘Worse than being on the frontline’: A day at Syria’s makeshift oil refineries (Photos)
Two workers at a makeshift oil refinery in Tarhin speak about their job, the hardships they endure and the dreams they hold for the future.
From Syria to Ukraine, Russian destruction follows Syrians in exile
In the third week of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, more than 2.8 million people have now fled the country. Syrians are among those fleeing, reliving earlier experiences of displacement.