The Inquiry
What next for Syria?
Jan 21, 2025
The fall of the Assad regime has led to a significant shift in Syria, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seizing power in Damascus. The podcast explores the complex factors that enabled this change, including international interventions and the aftermath of the Arab Spring. It delves into the challenges posed by rising authoritarianism and the influence of Islamist governance. Geopolitical dynamics involving Iran, Turkey, and the U.S. further complicate Syria's future, as the country grapples with socioeconomic crises and the quest for a stable political framework.
22:59
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Quick takeaways
- The unexpected fall of the Assad regime resulted from a swift offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, altering Syria's political landscape dramatically.
- Despite claiming authority, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham faces skepticism over its governance style and past extremist connections, complicating its acceptance among Syrians.
Deep dives
The Sudden Fall of Assad's Regime
The recent offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) marked a dramatic shift in Syria’s power dynamics, culminating in President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country. Within a span of two weeks, HTS seized control of large portions of Syria, indicating that the Assad regime had already lost grip on key territories prior to this rapid advance. Factors contributing to this change included the distraction of regional allies like Hezbollah and Iran, who were preoccupied with conflicts elsewhere, and a miscalculation by Russia regarding the speed of the offensive. The sudden collapse of Assad's rule signaled a significant restructuring of the political landscape in Syria, raising questions about the future governance of the country.
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