The Jacob Shapiro Podcast
#247 - Syria
Dec 16, 2024
Kamran Bokhari, a geopolitics expert from the Newlines Institute, joins to delve into the surprising downfall of the Assad regime. He breaks down the complexities of Syrian rebel factions and their foreign backers, highlighting Turkey’s critical involvement. The discussion shifts to Iran's waning influence and the rise of Kurdish nationalism, alongside the intricate relationships among regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Bokhari also examines the decline of Arab nationalism and Islamism, shedding light on their struggles in today's fragmented Middle East.
58:59
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Quick takeaways
- The abrupt collapse of Assad's regime reflected the rapid withdrawal of support from key allies like Hezbollah and Iranian forces.
- The fragmentation of Syrian rebel factions, particularly HTS, raises concerns about potential infighting and the future governance structure.
Deep dives
The Fall of the Assad Regime
The sudden collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria caught many analysts by surprise, particularly regarding its timing and rapidity. The withdrawal of critical support from Hezbollah and the fragmentation of Iranian influence escalated the regime's vulnerability, allowing Turkish-backed rebel groups to capitalize on the situation quickly. Comparisons were drawn to the rapid collapse of the Afghan regime in 2021, indicating a similar swift disintegration in Syria. However, the ability of various rebel factions to fill the power vacuum left by Assad's fall remains questionable, raising concerns about potential infighting among diverse groups vying for control.
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