Judging Freedom Kevork Almassian: Who Controls Syria?
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Apr 14, 2025 Kevork Almassian, a political analyst specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, dives deep into the complexities of the Syrian conflict. He challenges mainstream narratives, shedding light on U.S. covert operations like Timber Sycamore, which aimed to destabilize Bashar al-Assad by training jihadist fighters. Almassian discusses the intricate geopolitical dance involving powers like Turkey and Israel and addresses the dire human cost of the war. He emphasizes the need for a governance model that prioritizes minority rights to pave the way for stability in Syria.
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Origins of the Syrian War
- Professor Jeffrey Sachs claims the Syrian war started with a U.S. decision to overthrow Assad.
- This decision, influenced by Israel, aimed to destabilize governments opposing Israel.
Assad's Refusal and Operation Timber Sycamore
- Kevork Almassian asserts that Assad's refusal to normalize relations with Israel in 2008 led to the decision to overthrow him.
- Operation Timber Sycamore, a covert CIA operation, was launched in 2011 to arm and train jihadists against Assad.
US Motivation and Israeli Influence
- The U.S. likely intervened in Syria primarily to appease Israel, according to Almassian.
- Syria, by supporting Palestinian and Lebanese armed groups, posed a threat to Israel's expansionist goals.