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Jacobin Radio

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

Dec 24, 2024
Bassam Haddad joins the discussion, bringing his expertise as the founding director of the Middle East program at George Mason University. He examines the rise and fall of Assad's regime and contrasts the poignant joy of Syrians during the regime's ouster with the looming geopolitical complexities. The conversation navigates through Syria's intricate political history, the role of external influences like Turkey and the U.S., and delves into the challenges facing civil society amidst ongoing conflict, revealing the multilayered dilemmas of power and resistance in the region.
02:38:02

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the historical and geopolitical background crucial for understanding the rise and fall of Assad's regime in Syria.
  • It highlights the paradox of Syrian joy at Assad's ouster being overshadowed by the negative geopolitical consequences that followed.

Deep dives

The Context of the Syrian Uprising

The podcast discusses the historical and geopolitical context surrounding the recent developments in Syria, particularly focusing on the significance of Bashar al-Assad's regime and its eventual collapse. It highlights the contradictions faced by Syrians who felt joy and relief at the regime's fall while grappling with the potential negative geopolitical ramifications of this change. The conversation addresses how the uprising reflects a mix of local grievances—including socioeconomic issues and government corruption—intertwined with international dynamics that have historically influenced Syria. The narrative emphasizes the complexity of the situation, recognizing both the positive and negative aspects of Assad's ouster.

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