Russia's restorations of Palmyra

PALMYRA WATCH: Russia gains foothold in Syria’s Palmyra through archaeological restoration. Russia has begun a project to rehabilitate Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra in its latest efforts to gain a foothold in the country’s vital sectors (Mohammed Hardan, Al-Monitor).

As you can guess from the headline, the author is concerned about the geopolitical implications of Russia's involvment. I have no view about this. The question is outside my expertise. But I do think it's good news that somebody is concerned about the restoration of Palmyra.

For many posts on the ancient metropolis of Palmyra, its history and archaeology, the Aramaic dialect once spoken there (Palmyrene), and the city's tragic reversals of fortune, now trending for the better, start here and follow the links.

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