Sobering reality: Curbs on alcohol in northeast Syria cause discontent

Sobering reality: Curbs on alcohol in northeast Syria cause discontent

Residents of the region, which is home to many Kurds, have been feeling the pinch since Damascus took control of the nearby Semalka border crossing with Iraq in April under a deal to integrate Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the state. Syria's new Islamist leaders -- who toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024 -- have not officially prohibited importing alcohol but have imposed hefty new taxes and stricter rules on its con…