Robert Worth, a contributing writer at The Atlantic known for his expertise in the Middle East, discusses the complexities of Syria's political landscape under Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist advocating for unity. The conversation touches on the geopolitical impact of Syria on neighboring countries and the ongoing struggle for stability. Worth also delves into U.S. military actions in Yemen, the Houthis’ influence on global trade, and the challenges facing transitional leadership amid a fractured society and external pressures.
Ahmed al-Sharaa's emergence as Syria's transitional president highlights a pragmatic shift towards unity and stability in a deeply divided nation.
The ongoing conflict involving the Houthis in Yemen reveals the interconnectedness of regional security and global trade, complicating U.S. foreign policy responses.
Deep dives
The Houthis and Global Trade Vulnerabilities
The Houthis, a relatively small group from Yemen, pose significant threats to global trade through their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial passage for international commerce. Following the October 7th Hamas attack, they initiated assaults aimed at disrupting shipping routes, justified by claims of defending Palestinian interests. The U.S. response includes airstrikes against the Houthis to mitigate their capacity to threaten trade, although the effectiveness of these efforts has been questioned as they continue to demonstrate resilience. This situation highlights a complex interdependence, where the Biden administration's military actions are seen as benefitting global partners, especially Europe, while challenging the notion of collective security in international relations.
Ahmed al-Shara: A Complex Leadership Figure
Ahmed al-Shara, Syria's new transitional president, seeks to bring stability and unity to a war-torn nation following years of brutal conflict under Bashar al-Assad. As a former jihadist who has remade his image, Shara's leadership is characterized by a pragmatic approach to governance, emphasizing peace while navigating challenging political dynamics. His history of alliances with extremist groups, followed by a strategic distancing, illustrates his adaptive political acumen, aiming to avoid the radicalization that could dismantle his authority. Despite the dangers posed by the remnants of sectarian violence, Shara's desires for economic recovery and regional stability signal a potential shift in Syrian governance.
Challenges of Sectarian Violence and Governance
In the wake of al-Shara’s rise to power, Syria continues to grapple with entrenched sectarian divisions and violence that threaten national cohesion. The abolition of Assad-era security structures has created a power vacuum, leading to instances of abuse and revenge killings, particularly against minority populations who fear reprisal from extremist factions. Al-Shara's attempts to present a moderate image and discourage sectarian retaliation reflect his acknowledgment of the difficulties inherent in unifying a fractured society. However, the presence of diverse militias, some with less disciplined loyalties, complicates his governance efforts as he strives to prevent a descent into chaos.
International Relations and Sanction Dynamics
The transitional government under al-Shara faces significant economic challenges exacerbated by sanctions initially aimed at the Assad regime, which now impede efforts to rebuild Syria. He advocates for the lifting of such sanctions based on the assertion that they are misdirected, given his administration's desire for stability and improvement. Influences from the Trump administration create a cautious opening, as officials express willingness to reconsider sanctions, albeit with conditions tied to al-Shara's actions against ISIS and cooperation regarding U.S. interests. This negotiation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy where rebuilding efforts intersect with conditionality in foreign aid and sanctions policy.
Atlantic writer Robert Worth talks about Syria's transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. He was the founder of the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, but is now advocating unity and inclusion. Syria borders Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, so what happens in Syria impacts the whole region. We'll also talk with Worth about the Houthis in Yemen, and the Trump administration group chat that accidentally included Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg.
