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ICYMI: After More Than Five Decades, Syria No Longer Under Authoritarian Rule

Dec 9, 2024
Joyce Karam is a senior news editor at Al-Monitor specializing in the Syrian conflict, while Nanar Hawash is a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group focusing on Syria's political dynamics. They discuss Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's unexpected victory and the flight of Bashar al-Assad, marking a dramatic shift in power. The chaos brings both hope and uncertainty for Syria's future governance. The conversation dives into the roles of regional powers and the potential for a transformed HTS as it attempts to shed its extremist legacy.
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INSIGHT

Syria's Transformation

  • The fall of the Assad dynasty in Syria is a historic event, comparable to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran or the fall of Saddam Hussein.
  • This change has profound implications for the entire Middle East, given Syria's central location and the Assad family's five-decade rule.
INSIGHT

HTS Rebranding

  • HTS, initially affiliated with al-Qaeda, has undergone a rebranding effort, distancing itself from its jihadist past.
  • HTS leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani (Ahmed Al-Shara), aims to present a more moderate image to appeal to all Syrians.
INSIGHT

Israel's Golan Heights Move

  • Israel views Assad's fall as an opportunity to expand its influence in the Golan Heights.
  • This action raises international concerns, as the Golan Heights annexation isn't universally recognized.
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