The Dig

Rise and Fall of Assad’s Syria w/ Bassam Haddad

70 snips
Dec 22, 2024
In this discussion, Bassam Haddad, a distinguished professor and director of Middle East studies, unpacks the geopolitical intricacies surrounding the rise and fall of Assad's regime. He delves into the mixed emotions Syrians felt post-ouster, balancing joy with the unsettling aftermath. Haddad also examines the Syrian civil society's struggles, the complex dynamics of sectarianism, and the impact of regional players like Turkey and Iran. Additionally, he critiques the deceptive nature of terrorism definitions and explores the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe.
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INSIGHT

Apprehensive Joy

  • Syrians feel apprehensive joy at Assad's ouster.
  • The unknown future and the means of his removal cause worry.
INSIGHT

Sudden Fall

  • The fall of the Assad regime was sudden and negotiated, with HTS leading the charge.
  • Turkey's green light and regional developments played a crucial role.
INSIGHT

Paper Tiger

  • The regime's defenses were weak, and HTS recognized this vulnerability early on.
  • Regional factors, including the degradation of the resistance axis, created a vacuum in Syria.
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