Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews 3/7/25 William van Wagenen: A Deep Dive on the Situation in Syria
Mar 8, 2025
William van Wagenen, a seasoned journalist focusing on the Syrian conflict, shares his harrowing insights from a recent trip to Syria. He discusses the grim aftermath since Jihadists seized control, drawing parallels with past ISIS actions in Iraq. The conversation dives into the complex geopolitical dynamics, including Turkey's roles and Iranian influences, and addresses the severe humanitarian crises arising from ongoing violence. Van Wagenen also highlights chilling accounts of human rights abuses in Syrian prisons, illuminating the dark realities shaping the region's future.
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Sectarian Violence in Syria
- The new HTS-led Syrian government, composed of former Al-Qaeda affiliates, is massacring Alawites in coastal regions.
- The violence and sectarianism follow a pattern similar to ISIS's takeover of western Iraq.
Pre-Arranged Regime Change?
- The swift fall of major Syrian cities suggests a pre-arranged agreement between Turkey, Russia, and possibly other actors.
- The lack of resistance and limited Russian airstrikes support this theory.
Israel's Strategy of Attrition
- William van Wagenen recounts the strategic dismantling of Israel's enemies.
- Israel targeted Gaza, then Lebanon, and now Syria, weakening each before the next.
