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KNPR's State of Nevada

A Syrian native in Las Vegas reacts to the fall of the Assad regime

By Joe Schoenmann

Published December 17, 2024 at 8:40 AM PST

Syrians wave "revolutionary" Syrian flags during a celebratory demonstration following the first Friday prayers since Bashar Assad's ouster, in Damascus' central square, Syria, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

The Dec. 8 overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime by opposition forces is being felt around the world, including in Nevada.

Maui Sanadiki grew up in Syria. He got out in 2013, two years after the so-called Arab Spring, when protesters took to the streets. Around that time, al-Assad's forces publicly executed 100 people. In the intervening years, the government gassed and killed untold numbers of citizens.

Maui lives in Las Vegas now. He owns a tech company, and he’s president of the Las Vegas Arab American Chamber of Commerce.

Nevada Public Radio talked with him days after al-Assad's ouster about the family's 50-year reign, his hopes for the future of Syria and more.

Guest: Maui Sanadiki, president, Las Vegas Arab American Chamber of Commerce

KNPR's State of Nevada

Joe Schoenmann

Joe Schoenmann joined Nevada Public Radio in 2014. He works with a talented team of producers at State of Nevada who explore the casino industry, sports, politics, public health and everything in between.

See stories by Joe Schoenmann

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