A Half-Million Syrian Returnees? A Look Behind the Numbers - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
▻http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/a-half-million-syrian-returnees-a-look-behind-the-numbers
On June 30, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that nearly one-half million Syrians had returned to their homes between January and May 2017. The report expresses optimism that millions could return if “peace and stability in Syria increases.” A research mission by this author to Lebanon focusing on Syrian refugees, however, prompts much circumspection about whether or not Syrians should be returning at all, even if the pipe dream of peace becomes a reality.