The Winston Marshall Show Thomas Small - The Battle of Syria: The Druze, The Massacres and The Turmoil
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Jul 29, 2025 Thomas Small, a leading Middle East expert and host of the Conflicted podcast, offers a chilling insight into the turmoil in Syria, focusing on the massacres of the Druze minority. He breaks down the tribal conflicts, highlighting the volatile relationship between the Druze and Bedouin tribes amidst Assad's waning power. The discussion also delves into Hezbollah's influence, Iran's ambitions, and Israel's strategic maneuvers to maintain regional control. Small's analysis reveals the intricate web of alliances and chaos that defines contemporary Syria.
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Complex Druze-Bedouin Roots
- The Druze conflict in southern Syria originated from deep-rooted tribal tensions and historical disputes with Sunni Bedouin tribes. - The current violence spiraled due to political machinations and is not merely Islamists indiscriminately slaughtering Druze.
Israel's Buffer Strategy in Syria
- Israel aims to prevent Syria from having a military presence in southern provinces like Sueda to maintain a demilitarized buffer zone. - This policy destabilizes Syria and complicates efforts by Damascus to unify the country post-civil war.
Why Assad Fell Rapidly
- Syria's 14-year civil war destroyed Assad's military capacity, making his regime dependent on Iran and Hezbollah. - The fall of Assad involved shifting alliances and strategic interest shifts from regional powers like Turkey and the Gulf states.