Figs of Bashar al-Assad

INGREDIENTS

• Figs
•  Butter, or oil if butter is not available
• Salt
• Spices to taste

PREPARATION

Today’s dish features figs, which are a gift from the Almighty God. Place fresh, sliced figs on a pan right after heating the butter or oil and cook them thoroughly. Then, add the spices and mix well. Pour a little water, cover the pan, and leave it for about 10 minutes.

SUGGESTED SPICES:

– Chili
– Maggi seasoning
– Pomegranate juice
– Mint
– Red pepper

If you have bulgur, you can add it to the dish.*

1* The recipe comes from a Facebook page created to share ideas for crisis meals during the war in Syria. Its description: “The page is not meant for mourning or for those who come and pity us. We are happy. We clarify that we strive to be as pleasing to the Almighty God.” [Facebook page link](https://www.facebook.com/hesar.food?fref=ts&__mref=message_bubble)

From the beginning of the protests in Syria, government forces have been using a pacification tactic first employed in 1982: government troops surround the rebellious city or district, cutting off supplies of electricity, water, food, and medicine. The city is then subjected to bombardments until elite military units enter and comb through house by house, arresting anyone suspected of supporting the opposition. […] Cities controlled by opposition armed groups on the outskirts of Damascus and in the Homs area have been besieged for many months, some since mid-2012. By March 2016, they had received virtually no humanitarian aid, and the lack of food, medicine, and medical care has resulted in countless casualties. Total blockade has been implemented in only a few locations. Residents of other besieged cities may smuggle food across the front line, risking their lives each time, or buy it from government soldiers at vastly inflated prices.*2

2* Syrian War and Humanitarian Crisis: A Reporter’s Guide. Author: Wojciech Wilk