Syria crisis puts Lebanese farmers at risk

EL QAA, 13 June 2013 (IRIN) - In Lebanon’s Beka’a Valley, bordering Syria, some farmers have abandoned their fields as the fight between Syrian rebels and government forces has spilled onto their territory. Those who can still harvest have trouble selling their crops because export routes to and through Syria have been interrupted. Some are now resorting to selling their animals to make ends meet. full report

Analysis: Hard choices: When the Syria aid response runs out of money

AMMAN, 11 June 2013 (IRIN) - Last week, the UN launched its largest ever appeal for $4.4 billion to help Syrians in need inside their country and in refugee settings throughout 2013. But as the needs continue growing, donors are increasingly fatigued. At this cost, is the aid operation sustainable? full report

For some, the best bad choice: Returning from refuge to Syria

ZA’ATARI CAMP, 10 June 2013 (IRIN) - An increasing number of refugees in Jordan have returned to Syria in recent weeks, abandoning the harsh life of a refugee camp for Syrian villages short of bread and safety. full report

Policy or happenstance? Jordan's dwindling Syrian refugee arrivals

ZA'ATARI CAMP, 9 June 2013 (IRIN) - Aid workers are struggling to understand fluctuating Syrian refugee flows into Jordan in recent weeks. The government insists the border remains open, but refugees tell harrowing stories of being turned back. full report

Amid Syrian crisis, Iraqi refugees in Jordan forgotten

AMMAN, 6 June 2013 (IRIN) - Up to 10 years after fleeing violence in their country, many Iraqi refugees living in Jordan are poor, failing to integrate, and unable to return home or get resettled in a third country. full report

Born into crisis: Unwanted pregnancies in Syria

ZA’ATARI CAMP, JORDAN, 29 May 2013 (IRIN) - Many women in Syria, displaced by more than two years of conflict and living in common shelters, do not want to get pregnant. Yet, the UN Population Fund estimates that a quarter of a million women in Syria and in refugee settings will become pregnant by the end of the year, due in part to a lack of access to birth control, as the Syrian health system breaks down. full report

Concern for Syrians stuck at Jordanian border

AMMAN/DUBAI, 24 May 2013 (IRIN) - Thousands of people are gathering in villages in southern Syria, unable to seek refuge in Jordan either because of insecurity along the border or, according to some, new Jordanian security measures. In the meantime, some of them are living “between the mosques and the streets” without enough food and water, amid daily violence. full report

How To: Get medical aid kits to Aleppo, Syria

DUBAI, 24 May 2013 (IRIN) - Getting humanitarian supplies into conflict zones like Syria is no mean feat, often requiring negotiations with warring parties, braving insecurity and facing repeated delays and logistical challenges. full report

Syrians seeking refuge in Libya

MISRATA, 23 May 2013 (IRIN) - Two years ago Syrians in the relative security of their own country watched the unfolding crisis in Libya descend into a devastating civil war. full report