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The Journal.

Assad's Regime Falls. What's Next For Syria?

Dec 9, 2024
Yaroslav Trofimov, WSJ’s chief foreign affairs correspondent, delves into the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. He discusses the rise of rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani and his controversial journey from insurgent to key political figure. The conversation reveals how regional dynamics are shifting amidst this power change, and Trofimov highlights the complexities of alliances among international players like Russia and Turkey. The future of Syria remains uncertain, but a call for moderation emerges among rebel factions.
20:08

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The rapid fall of Assad's regime highlights a significant shift in loyalty within the military and diminished support from external allies.
  • Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani's emergence as a key player signifies a potential moderation in governance amidst a fragmented power structure in Syria.

Deep dives

The Fall of Assad and Its Immediate Impact

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime after 13 years of civil war represents a significant and historic shift in Syria. Celebrations erupted on the streets of Damascus as rebels swiftly took control of the capital, marking an end to a long period characterized by violence, oppression, and brutality. The swift nature of this takeover, with rebels advancing rapidly through key cities, suggests a lack of loyalty among Assad's military and a weakened support structure, particularly as key allies like Russia and Iran were distracted by their own conflicts. This change in power dynamics raises pressing questions about Syria's future governance and the potential for either peace or further conflict among rebel factions.

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