With Saudi ties restored, Syrians fulfil hajj dreams
"For me, it's a double joy," said the emotional 70-year-old, who had not seen Maher, his eldest son, since 2015. One of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia must be performed by all Muslims with the means to do so at least once in their lives. But for Syrians living in government-controlled areas, it has long been out of reach. In 2012, Saudi Arabia severed ties with the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and championed his ouster... Читать дальше...