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The Monocle Daily

The view from Damascus, Copenhagen and Basel

Jan 31, 2025
Leila Molana-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, shares her insights from a recent trip to Syria, discussing the challenges that lie ahead after Assad's rule. The conversation delves into humanitarian crises exacerbated by international tensions and the evolving role of women in society. Meanwhile, Chris Cermak analyzes Germany's immigration vote and its impact on far-right sentiments. Fashion highlights emerge from Copenhagen Fashion Week, blending style evolution with sustainability themes.
42:30

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, faces skepticism over his commitment to unity and reform despite promises to dissolve non-state militias.
  • Germany's immigration debate intensifies as CDU collaborates with the far-right AFD, revealing fractures in political consensus and its impact on Syrian refugee integration.

Deep dives

Syria's New Leadership and Public Sentiment

Syria's new interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, has made a televised address that promises peace and national unity following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Despite his assurances to dissolve non-state militias and to pursue reform, skepticism remains due to al-Shara's past as the head of Jabhat al-Nusra, a group previously linked to terrorism. Observations from field journalists indicate that while al-Shara attempts to present a more liberal front, there are concerns regarding potential authoritarianism and the difficulties in unifying a diverse set of factions under a national government. The ongoing challenges include rebuilding critical infrastructure and stabilizing a war-torn nation, while also addressing the needs of returning refugees, who are facing their hardships amid a fragile political climate.

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