Kat Balleh | The National

The writer pictured starting a family in Turkey, where she studied and married. Getty Images

ColumnI always dreamt of raising my kids in Istanbul, but life had other plans

My daughter was born in Seattle and we now live contentedly in Abu Dhabi, but it's to the chaotic Turkish city of so many fond memories that my thoughts often turn ...

LifestyleOctober 17, 2025

Kat Balleh and her husband Bashar in Syria in 2017. Kat Balleh / The National

ColumnWhat will normal life in Syria be like? I can't wait to go back and find out

Despite inherent material challenges, things were simple back in the day and I never wanted to leave

LifestyleJanuary 03, 2025

The writer and her baby daughter en route to Syria in 2022. Credit: Kat Balleh

ColumnMy daughter will now know her Syrian grandparents

Taking our baby to Syria to meet her grandparents was tough. Now there is real hope for the future

CommentDecember 17, 2024

President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have faced off in the first presidential debate of the election. Getty Images

For many US voters, the choice is Trump or anyone who isn’t Trump

Republicans on X, joyful in Trump’s debate 'win', had plenty of content to enjoy

USJune 28, 2024