Bio
Mateo Nelson
Mateo Nelson was a 2014-2015 fellow at the Center for Arabic Study Abroad program (CASA I) in Amman, Jordan. Mateo holds a BA in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University, with a certificate in Arabic Language and Culture.
Latest Articles
What does the US presidential election mean for Syria?
For US policy on Syria, this year’s election is largely a choice between a continued status quo under Vice President Kamala Harris and a return to the unpredictable foreign policy of former President Donald Trump.
Suwayda sidesteps a ‘spiral of violence’ following clashes
A new security checkpoint in Suwayda city sparked angry protests and armed clashes between local factions and regime forces before an agreement negotiated by local civil and religious leadership averted further escalation. The incident underscores the delicate balance of keeping the peace in the southern province.
World Court orders Syria to stop torture, but advocates fear it is not enough
The UN’s highest court ordered Syria to take “all measures within its power” to prevent torture and preserve evidence related to a landmark case brought by the governments of Canada and the Netherlands. Syrian survivors and advocates welcomed the move, but had hoped for more.
Damascus absent as landmark torture case begins at World Court
A landmark torture case brought against Syria by Canada and the Netherlands began at the UN’s highest court on Tuesday—with Damascus absent. While it is not a criminal case, torture survivors and family members of Syria’s disappeared say it marks another milestone in their long, slow fight for accountability.
‘The real response’: Earthquake highlights role of Syrian-led relief organizations amid UN paralysis
The slow international response to the crisis in northwestern Syria after the February 6 earthquake highlights the central role of aid workers in both Turkey and Syria, whose staff raced to respond while being themselves impacted.
‘They’re gone, but who has them?’ Afrin’s Kurdish FSA commanders, under pressure from all sides, go missing
A checkpoint in Afrin in May. Photo courtesy of Afrin […]
Rebel siege of two Shiite-majority Idlib towns ends with total evacuation of residents, militiamen
Evacuees from al-Fuaa and Kufraya arrive in government-held south Aleppo on […]
‘Deal underway’ for evacuation of two Shiite-majority Idlib towns: rebel source
Al-Fuaa and Kufraya residents calling for an end to the […]
Kurdish political body gains increased independence in opposition’s negotiating committee despite rankling over Afrin operation
Members of the Syrian High Negotiations Committee (HNC) in Riyadh […]
Released from government detention, an art therapist finds new meaning in her work: ‘It all goes out onto the paper’
Baraa Arar encourages her students to draw on the walls. […]