Complex Geopolitics of Syria and Israel

Syrians continue to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the dictator whose decades-long rule was marked by terror and violence against his own people. But the situation on the ground is fluid and complex. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, one of the key rebel groups controlling Damascus, has former ties to Al-Qaeda and is currently labeled a terrorist group by the United States government. Its leader, Mohammed al-Bashir, was appointed Syria’s caretaker prime minister and said Tuesday he’ll run a transitional government until March. Meanwhile, Israel launched dozens of airstrikes Tuesday targeting Syrian military installations and weapons stockpiled by the Assad regime. We’ll talk about what’s next for Syria and the alliances that kept Assad in power and get reactions from Syrians in California.

Guests:

Ruth Michaelson , journalist based in Istanbul, The Guardian

Natasha Hall, senior fellow with the Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Sammy Hajomar, Los Angeles resident of Syrian descent

Marwan Chehadeh, San Diego resident of Syrian descent

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