Guns, Drugs and Girls

We dig guns, drugs and girls. Yes we do. Yup.

Brothers of the Gun A Memoir of the Syrian War is a stark collaboration between Molly Crabapple and Marwan Hisham that offers a gripping account of Hisham’s experiences during the Syrian war, complemented by over eighty evocative ink drawings by Crabapple. The memoir chronicles Hisham and his friends as they face the turmoil of the conflict, providing a raw perspective on the Syrian revolution and its heartbreaking consequences. Crabapple’s illustrations capture both the chaos and the beauty of a ravaged region, making this work visually striking and emotionally resonant. In the aftermath of years of violence, millions have been displaced, countless lives lost, and ancient cities reduced to ruins, all for the sake of a tyrant’s grip on power. Despite the bleakness, there remains a glimmer of hope as Syrian refugees return home, eager to reunite with loved ones and rebuild their lives, embodying the resilience of a people determined to reclaim their future amidst uncertainty.

Brothers of the Gun: A Memoir of the Syrian War is a powerful collaboration between Molly Crabapple and Marwan Hisham. The book provides an intimate and harrowing account of Hisham’s experiences during the Syrian war, illustrated with over eighty ink drawings by Crabapple1.

The memoir follows Hisham and his friends as they navigate the complexities and brutalities of the conflict, offering a ground-level perspective on the Syrian revolution and its devastating impact. Crabapple’s evocative illustrations bring to life the chaos and beauty of the war-torn region, making it a visually stunning and emotionally impactful read1.

She drew these pictures of the Syrian Revolution nearly seven years ago, for Brothers of the Gun, book I did with journalist Marwan Hisham. At the time, it seemed that Assad had slaughtered his way into a lifetime of power. As of today, he’s gone. Scram. Finished. Ran away in the direction of Dubai, without even putting up a fight.

In the thirteen years since Syrians first rose up to demand extremely modest democratic reforms, millions have been driven into exile, hundreds of thousands killed, tens of thousands tortured to death in state-run slaughterhouses like Sedenaya prison, and ancient cities bombed to dust, all so some chinless rich boy could stay on his throne.

As one Syrian friend told me, this is just the start of the fight for his country’s future. Israel is already invading Syria to annex more land for a “buffer zone”. Turkish-backed mercenaries are already attacking Kurdish areas at the behest of Erdoğan. But no matter what happens next, the joy on the faces of prisoners released from Assad’s gulags is a treasure beyond price.

No tyrant lasts forever.

I hope my Syrian friends can return home.

And I hope we find out how much Assad was paying his Western propagandists

Months later, at a town on the Turkey-Syria border, she drew murals all over the walls of a school for Syrian refugees.
In June 2014, the journalist Patrick Hilsman and I crossed the border into Syria. Young fighters from the Islamic Front escorted us around the Bab al Salam camp for internally displaced persons, and later led us through Azaz, a ruined border town. The Syrian regime’s bombings had wiped out entire city blocks.

Later I corresponded with a Syrian living under ISIS’s cosplay “caliph-ate.” He sent me photos of daily life to draw from, then wrote essays to accompany them. Ours is the collaboration of which I’m most proud.

Molly Crabapple’s drawings of Syria are a poignant and powerful testament to the resilience and struggles of the Syrian people. Her artwork often captures the harsh realities of conflict and displacement, infused with a deep sense of empathy and humanity.

Crabapple’s distinctive style blends detailed line work with evocative imagery, bringing to life the stories of those affected by the Syrian crisis. Her pieces often highlight the plight of refugees, the devastation of war-torn cities, and the resilience of individuals amidst the chaos.

Her work not only serves as a visual documentation of the conflict but also as a call to action and a reminder of the human cost of war. If you’re interested in exploring more of her drawings and understanding the stories behind them, her book “Drawing Blood” provides a deeper look into her experiences and the inspiration behind her art.

Syria rebel group HTS

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a prominent Syrian rebel group that has recently made headlines by toppling President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and taking control of Damascus2. HTS has its roots in al-Qaeda and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States3. The group was formed in 2017 after merging with other factions in the region.

HTS has led a significant offensive against Assad’s forces, capturing key cities like Homs, Daraa, and Sweida. The group’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has been trying to distance himself from his jihadist past3.

The situation in Syria remains complex and uncertain, with many Syrians hopeful yet cautious about the future.

Syrian regugees are returning

Many Syrian refugees are beginning to return home following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Hundreds have gathered at border crossings in Turkey and Lebanon, eager to reunite with their families and rebuild their lives1. The joy and hope among these refugees are palpable as they prepare to return to their homeland after years of displacement.

Brothers of the Gun A Memoir of the Syrian War is an evocative collaboration between Molly Crabapple and Marwan Hisham that delves deep into the harrowing realities of the Syrian conflict through Hisham’s personal narrative, beautifully illustrated with over eighty powerful ink drawings from Crabapple. This memoir captures the tumultuous journey of Hisham and his friends as they confront the brutalities and complexities of the war, offering an authentic perspective on the Syrian revolution and its shattering consequences. Crabapple’s artistry not only reflects the chaos and beauty of a region in turmoil but serves as a striking reminder of the resilience of its people. Nearly seven years ago, Crabapple’s illustrations narrated the struggle against a regime that seemed unassailable, yet today we witness the tides shifting as the once-impregnable Assad has fled. The unimaginable toll of this thirteen-year struggle is evident in the millions displaced, the countless lives lost, and the countless ancient cities reduced to rubble, all to sustain the power of an elite few. As ongoing conflicts loom, such as Israel’s incursions and Turkish-sponsored assaults, the release of prisoners from Assad’s tyranny symbolically marks the beginning of a broader fight for Syria’s future. The hope that Syrian friends may one day return home endures, even as we uncover the extent of the regime’s manipulative machinations with Western allies. Crabapple’s murals for Syrian refugee schools and her collaboration with those living under ISIS remain a testament to the creativity born from struggle. Her art encapsulates both the painful truths of war and the unyielding spirit of humanity, urging us to act and remember. In the backdrop of a constantly evolving landscape, the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has emerged, shaking the very foundations of Assad’s regime and signaling a precarious yet hopeful moment for the nation. As refugees begin their long-awaited journey home, the air hums with a palpable sense of joy and determination, embodying the undying hope for a future rebuilt from the ashes of despair.

Brothers of the Gun A Memoir of the Syrian War is a striking collaboration between Molly Crabapple and Marwan Hisham that offers a deeply personal and intense recounting of Hisham’s life during the Syrian war, enhanced by over eighty ink drawings from Crabapple. This memoir follows Hisham and his friends as they confront the harsh realities and complexities of the conflict, presenting a firsthand view of the Syrian revolution and its tragic consequences. Crabapple’s powerful illustrations vividly depict the turmoil and resilience of the region, creating an unforgettable visual and emotional experience. Her artwork, created nearly seven years ago, includes murals in a school for Syrian refugees and serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, emphasizing the hardships faced by the people and the impact of the conflict. As many Syrian refugees return home after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, there is a mixture of joy and hope as families reunite and begin to rebuild their lives.

Brothers of the Gun A Memoir of the Syrian War is a gripping collaboration between Molly Crabapple and Marwan Hisham that offers a deeply personal and unsettling narrative of Hisham’s journey through the Syrian war, complemented by over eighty striking ink illustrations by Crabapple. The memoir captures Hisham and his friends as they confront the brutal realities of the conflict, presenting a raw perspective on the Syrian revolution and its catastrophic consequences. Crabapple’s evocative artwork vividly portrays the disorder and beauty of a ravaged landscape, making it both an aesthetically compelling and emotionally resonant experience. Seven years ago, she created these illustrations for Brothers of the Gun at a time when Assad seemed entrenched in power, but today, he has fled in defeat, evading accountability. In the years since the uprising began, millions have been forced into exile, hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, and countless others have endured torture in state-sanctioned prisons, all to maintain the grip of a privileged few. As one Syrian friend observed, this struggle for the future of the nation is just beginning, with foreign powers like Israel and Turkey intervening in the chaos. Yet, despite these challenges, the sight of former prisoners reclaiming their freedom after years of oppression is a priceless symbol of hope. The legacy of tyranny proves transient, and I hold onto the hope that my Syrian friends will one day return to their homeland and uncover the truth about the support Assad received from Western influences. Months later, at a border town between Turkey and Syria, Crabapple adorned the walls of a school for Syrian refugees with her murals. In June 2014, alongside journalist Patrick Hilsman, I crossed into Syria, guided by young fighters from the Islamic Front who showed us the Bab al Salam camp for displaced individuals and the devastated streets of Azaz. I later corresponded with a Syrian under ISIS’s so-called caliphate, who provided an intimate glimpse into his daily life through photos and essays, a collaboration I cherish most. Crabapple’s work stands as a powerful tribute to the tenacity and hardships of the Syrian people, capturing the stark truths of conflict and displacement while conveying a profound sense of empathy. Her unique artistic style combines intricate linework with evocative imagery, vividly illustrating the experiences of those impacted by the crisis, particularly the trials faced by refugees and the destruction of urban landscapes, all while highlighting the indomitable spirit of individuals amidst turmoil. Her art serves not only as a poignant record of the conflict but also as a clarion call to acknowledge the human toll of war. For those eager to delve deeper into her insights and artistic journey, her book Drawing Blood offers a more profound exploration of her experiences and the narratives behind her art. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham HTS, a significant Syrian rebel faction, has recently emerged in the headlines for its pivotal role in dismantling President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and seizing control of Damascus. Born from al-Qaeda roots and designated as a terrorist group by the United States, HTS was established in 2017 through the unification of various local factions. The group has spearheaded significant offensives against Assad’s military, capturing critical cities such as Homs, Daraa, and Sweida, with its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, actively attempting to redefine his image and distance himself from his past affiliations. The ongoing situation in Syria remains fraught with complexity and uncertainty, leaving many Syrians both hopeful and wary about what lies ahead. Following the collapse of Assad’s regime, a wave of Syrian refugees is now returning home, with hundreds converging at border crossings in Turkey and Lebanon, eager to reunite with their families and embark on the process of rebuilding their lives. The palpable joy and optimism among these returning individuals mark a significant chapter after years of dislocation.

Freelance journalist Marwan Hisham shares his personal experiences in Raqqa, exploring the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood amid the chaos of the Syrian conflict, which involves a dictatorship, various internal factions, and military actions by Russia in 2015, as well as U.S.-led bombings targeting the ISIS caliphate in 2019.

Freelance journalist Marwan Hisham shares his vivid narratives from the city of Raqqa, exploring the intricate dynamics of friendship and brotherhood amidst the turmoil of the Syrian conflict, shaped by a ruthless dictatorship, various internal factions vying for power, and the military interventions by Russia in 2015, along with the U.S.-led bombings aimed at dismantling the ISIS Caliphate in 2019.

Molly Crabapple’s haunting illustrations breathe vivid life into his accounts, captivating viewers with her unique blend of intricate pen and ink line work paired with emotive splashes. This compelling style creates bold imagery that reflects the profound experiences of real people facing crisis and turmoil, drawing you into their world with raw, evocative power.

Molly Crabapple’s breathtaking imagery not only brings his narratives to life but does so with an artistry that captivates and compels. Her distinctive blend of intricate pen and ink line work, combined with emotive splashes, creates illustrations that pulse with immediacy and authenticity. Through a remarkable collaborative process, they have forged a new standard in visual journalism, one that profoundly impacts the viewer and elevates the stories being told.

They valued each other’s dedication and meticulous attention to detail.

The Syrian people, having endured years of oppressive governance, astounding violence, and immense suffering, cling to a flicker of hope amidst the devastation that has marked their homeland. For those who have persevered and for the refugees finding their way back, there is a strong sense of joy and an unwavering resolve to forge a new path forward. Yet, the journey ahead is fraught with difficulties, such as the establishment of a transitional government, the need for unity among diverse groups, and the ongoing strife that looms over the region. The powerful collaboration between Molly Crabapple’s evocative art and Marwan Hisham’s poignant writing serves as an essential reminder of the profound hardships faced and the urgent necessity to ensure such calamities are never repeated.

After many years of harsh rule, terrible violence, and the displacement of millions, the people of Syria still hold on to hope. Those who remained and endured the suffering, along with returning refugees, are filled with joy and a strong desire to rebuild their lives. However, they face significant challenges, such as forming a transitional government, reconciling different groups, and dealing with ongoing conflicts and potential invasions. The powerful combination of Molly Crabapple’s art and Marwan Hisham’s writing serves as a crucial reminder of the dark times they experienced and the importance of preventing a repeat of such horrors.

a striking exploration of the harsh truths of war crafted through an outstanding collaboration