DAY 132 - JULY 31, 2011

 

The death toll in Syria has surpassed 2,000 and Assad's regime is thought to be holding 12,000 protesters without trial. The US, UK, Germany, Japan, and the Arab League have condemned the actions of the Syrian government. Hamza Al Khatib, a 13 year old demonstrator, is found dead in Daraa with visible signs of torture on his body. Human rights activists say 136 people have been killed today around Syria. It is the bloodiest day of the conflict to date.


You have spent the last two months consumed with fear. You cover Emad and Yara's ears every night against your bosom. Assad has cut the electricity to your apartment building as well as the internet across all of Daraa. You haven't Skyped with Ali in 15 days but you have now heard of the Free Syrian Army, which has emerged mostly out of defected Syrian soldiers in Deir El Zor to the East. Government raids are becoming something of a daily occurrence around Syria, but especially in Daraa, where the protests all started. Assad's troops have not come into your apartment but you have heard them in the stairwell. You think it's just a matter of time before they figure out that your husband is among the rebel forces. For the first time the idea of leaving your home, for good, is a real possibility. 

  1. Continue to stay in Daraa. If you leave now, with internet and cellphone reception down, there will be no way for Ali to find you.
  2. Leave Daraa. Take shelter in the countryside where the shelling isn't as severe, at least until your city becomes safer.