For journalists covering the breaking news out of Syria regarding the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad's regime, Northwestern School of Communication professor Shayna Silversteinis available for comment. Professor Silverstein is an expert on ethnic and religious diversity/difference in Syria and has conducted research on cultural heritage and traditions of the Syrian people.
Professor Silverstein is the author of a new book on Syrian cultural politics titled "Fraught Balance: The Embodied Politics of Dabke Dance Music in Syria.".
QUOTE FROM PROFESSOR SILVERSTEIN
"I think people do not understand the depth of shame and humiliation and fear that the Assad regime imposed. Let us trust that Syrians can make of their future what they want. Their creativity and know-how have been stifled by the regime for five decades. It will take time to learn how to not feel the grasp on one's neck closing in. There are many in the social movement for Syrian freedom who work for a secular state and for support of Syria's ethnic and religious groups in their multitudes. They will continue to put pressure and guide their society to its full potential."
