Diana Darke

How did Syria's revolution lose its way? Drawing on the author's first-hand knowledge of the country's complex religious and ethnic communities, Darke explains Syria's history, politics and society.

With the unique perspective of an Arabic-speaking British woman, Darke became deeply embedded in all levels of Syrian society when she bought and restored a house in a mixed Sunni/Shi'a neighbourhood of the walled Old City of Damascus.

As fighting intensified and millions were forced to flee their homes, she offered her house as a sanctuary to friends. In doing so she gained insight into why most ordinary Syrians are caught between a repressive government and a splintering opposition, now overshadowed by a monster called ISIS.

Diana Darke is a well-known as an authority on Syria and has written for the Sunday Times, the Guardian, the Financial Times and the BBC. She is the author of several guides to Syria and Eastern Turkey.