Syrian singer Ishtar has resumed performances in Damascus after a hiatus due to fears of restrictions following the Islamist-led takeover that ousted Bashar al-Assad. While some bars and restaurants face closures and licensing issues, the nightlife scene is slowly reviving, with discussions on personal freedoms becoming more common despite recent violent incidents at nightclubs. The new authorities have been criticized for not fully protecting personal freedoms, yet there remains a cautious optimism among locals about the future of cultural expression in the city.
