Syrians: Refugees in their own Home

Unbeknown to me, one can be a refugee in one’s own country, and it’s happening in Syria. Since the 1967 Middle East War, Syrians have been fleeing a neighborhood of their capital, Damascus, known as Golan Heights as Israelis have been pushing in.

            The influx of refugees has increased tensions amongst Syrians. Refugees in Artouz, a town 16 miles (25 kilometers) west of Damascus rioted Monday. The rioters, equipped with AK-47 rifles, burned shops, homes and cars and injured 15 people. One youth was killed in the riot before security arrived.

            Local residents told Reuters reporters that there has been a domestic feud for quite awhile, but gave no further detail. See the The New York Times story.