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Modern War Institute

How the Assad Regime Fell

Dec 13, 2024
Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, brings her extensive expertise on Syria to the discussion. She delves into the intricate power dynamics that led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad, examining the influence of Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Hall explores the implications of the regime's collapse, including the challenges facing various stakeholders like ISIS and the Kurds, and the ongoing dilemma around Syrian refugees. She reflects on the uncertain future and the importance of Syrian agency in shaping the path ahead.
40:19

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime resulted from waning external support and a significant decline in internal loyalty among Syrians.
  • The aftermath of Assad's collapse has left a power vacuum in Syria, raising concerns about future governance and stability among various factions.

Deep dives

The Fall of the Assad Regime

The sudden collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria marks a significant turning point after over a decade of civil war. This regime, known for its ruthlessness, unexpectedly fell following a rapid offensive by rebel forces, which led to the capture of major cities including Damascus. Despite previous predictions of Assad's resilience due to support from external powers like Russia and Iran, internal unrest and declining public support significantly weakened his grip on power. The offensive revealed that many who were once pro-regime lost their willingness to fight, resulting in a domino effect that culminated in the regime's downfall.

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