Front Burner
Who are the fighters reigniting Syria’s civil war?
Dec 4, 2024
In this discussion, Kareem Shaheen, Middle East editor at New Lines Magazine with over a decade of experience covering Syria, shares insights on the recent surge of Turkish-backed rebels capturing Aleppo with minimal resistance. He analyzes the implications of Assad's weakened army and the pressure from international allies. The conversation also addresses the complex local governance issues under new rebel control and reflects on the humanitarian crisis gripping the region, emphasizing the moral responsibilities of the global community amid ongoing violence.
24:33
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Quick takeaways
- The recent unexpected gains by Turkish-backed rebel forces in Aleppo signal a dramatic shift in power dynamics within Syria's ongoing civil war.
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has emerged as a significant player by reinventing itself as a local governance entity, gaining civilian support despite its complex past.
Deep dives
The Current State of Syria's Civil War
The civil war in Syria has seen a significant shift recently, with rebel forces making unexpected gains, particularly in Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. After years of relative stability in frontlines, these rebels quickly captured key territories, including several villages, and mounted a surprising offensive on Aleppo itself, leading to the withdrawal of government forces. This sudden turnaround has reignited the civil war and represents a significant shift in power dynamics, as previous government control had seemed unshakeable. The fall of Aleppo has symbolic importance as statues of the ruling Assad family were toppled, indicating a potential revival of revolutionary fervor among the opposition forces.
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