About the series: Adalah ("justice" in Arabic) is a diary series about the Middle East, with special (but not exclusive) emphasis on the Arab-Israeli conflict. The authors of this series believe in the right of self-determination for all the people of the Middle East and that a just resolution respecting the rights and dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis is the only viable option for peace. Our diaries will consist of news roundup and analysis. We invite you to discuss them in the comments or contribute with stories from the region which deserve attention. We ask only that you be respectful and that the number of meta comments be kept to a minimum.
Syria is the latest in a line of Arab countries experiencing unrest and demonstrations against their repressive and authoritarian regimes.
The demonstrations have remained relatively small and confined to a few cities, but as in earlier cases, the government has responded with suppression and violence. In an effort to contain the protests, Damascus has indicated it will open an investigation into the killings that occurred in the southern city of Dar'a as well as release some child prisoners.