
A glassmaker in Damascus continues traditional glassblowing techniques outside the Old City despite Syria's struggling economy and high inflation, where even simple glassware has become a luxury for many.
AI-generated summary
The Syrian civil war has ended, but the economy has not fully recovered and inflation has increased the cost of living over the past year.
Our world as journalists can move fast; every day there's breaking news from all corners of the world, and we scramble to stay on top of multiple threads of information each day.
That is why I loved watching this glassmaker just outside the historic Old City in Damascus. In 100 degree summer heat, he patiently shaped cup after glass cup in the blistering furnace in front of him, seemingly impervious to the temperature.
Time seemed to matter less than the process of melting and stretching the hot, melted glass. He made cups and oil jars and decorative lamps in a variety of jewel colors, using techniques and styles that have not changed for decades. Watching his craft reminded me to slow down and enjoy the moment, too.
Even though his shop was right on the edge of the Old City of Damascus, it was largely empty. The Syrian civil war has ended, but the economy has not fully bounced back, while inflation has ratcheted up the cost of living in the last year. Even a glass can be a luxury for some.

Ukrainians are coping with increasingly deadly Russian attacks as Kyiv faces extraordinary bombardment despite its drone defenses, according to The Economist's editor in chief who recently visited Ukraine.

Burundi agreed to accept deportees from the United States with no previous connection to the East African country, provided they face no prosecution or terrorism links.

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster about the impact of the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq on the Middle East.

The Trump administration lowers fuel-economy targets for new vehicles. Meanwhile, New York prosecutors reopen a 2024 Cornell University rape case, and British authorities investigate five men detained near a U.S. military base.

British authorities arrested five men near RAF Fairford amid investigations into a possible Iran link and hostile state threats. Meanwhile, President Trump rejected an Iranian offer involving the Strait of Hormuz, and mass shootings in South Africa killed 38.

Hurricane Nolo moves away from Hawaii while bringing heavy rain warnings, and Category 3 Hurricane Polo threatens Mexico's Baja California with life-threatening flooding, high winds, and storm surge.