EP 408: THE LIBERATION OF ALEPPO | BILAL ABDUL KAREEM

0:00 - Intro

6:40 - Jolani and HTS

16:33 - Why did the Rebels Act Now?

30:30 - Will the Rebels Unite?

34:30 - Was the revolution worth it?

46:25 - Will this offensive cause problems for Gaza?

59:15 - Are Syrians Hopeful?

1:06:20 - Are the secret police still active? 

1:10:10 - Reconstruction

Bilal Abdul Kareem, born Darrell Lamont Phelps in 1970 in New York, is an American-born journalist and war correspondent known for his coverage of the Syrian Civil War.

He initially gained recognition for his work with CNN and has been associated with other major news networks like the BBC and Channel 4. Kareem converted to Islam and has a background that spans from acting and stand-up comedy to activism, particularly focusing on AIDS awareness in his earlier years.

His journalistic career took a significant turn when he began documenting the Syrian conflict in 2012, where he founded his own media outlet, On the Ground News (OGN). Kareem's work has often placed him in proximity to insurgent groups, earning him both praise for his courage and criticism for perceived biases. 

His reporting style has been noted for providing a unique perspective from within rebel-held territories, often focusing on the lives of civilians and fighters. Kareem has claimed to have survived multiple drone strikes, alleging that he was placed on a U.S. "kill list" due to his reporting, which led him to file a lawsuit against the U.S. government. This case was dismissed citing state secrets privilege. In August 2020, he was arrested by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda offshoot in northern Idlib, Syria, on charges of incitement and working with groups that harm public security, but was released after six months.

His work continues to focus on the humanitarian aspects of conflicts, often putting him at personal risk but also earning him a following among those interested in grassroots journalism from conflict zones.

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