Publication

This publication examines the situation in Bilad al-Sham — a region comprised of Syria and adjacent areas in neighboring countries — as well as its unique heritage within the annals of Islam. According to Muslim mysticism, Bilad al-Sham is believed to serve as the point of origin for the ‘End of Times’. Consequently, as the greater Middle East continues to struggle with unfolding catastrophes, the region is not only bracing itself for further discontent but also witnessing increasing numbers of believers embrace mysticism and apocalyptic expectations. In response, the text highlights how there may be a unique opportunity for governments to further the chances for peace by capitalizing on regional, bottom-up compromises.