Feature: Syrians brace for back-to-school season amid economic strain, reconstruction challenges

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

DAMASCUS, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- With the new school season in Syria set to begin on Sunday, Damascus' historic Asruniyeh market comes alive with colorful displays of cartoon-themed backpacks and stationery. The place hums with the chatter of bargaining parents, the laughter of children, and vendors calling out their offers to draw in shoppers.

Bilal Saliq, a Syrian from rural Damascus,