The Story
Why the Syrian civil war is back
Dec 5, 2024
Mark Urban, a seasoned writer and columnist for The Sunday Times, dives into the recent resurgence of the Syrian civil war. He discusses an extraordinary offensive by a coalition of rebel fighters that has captured Aleppo, exploring the shifting dynamics between Assad's regime and the opposition. Urban explains the implications of this conflict, the roles of Iran, Russia, and Turkey, and the ongoing struggles faced by civilians. With deep insights, he sheds light on the complexities of alliances and the lingering instability in the region.
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Quick takeaways
- The recent offensive by rebel forces against Assad's regime has unexpectedly regained control over Aleppo, challenging the stability of the government.
- The ongoing conflict in Syria is complicated by foreign involvement, particularly from Turkey, Iran, and Russia, each pursuing their own interests.
Deep dives
The Revival of the Syrian Conflict
The recent escalation in Syria has reignited the civil war, primarily driven by a coalitional offensive from a mix of jihadist and secular rebel forces against President Assad's regime. This surprising advance saw rebels recapture Aleppo, a strategic city previously lost to the government in 2016. The swift territorial gains have posed the most significant challenge to Assad’s authority in recent years, reversing the trends of a largely frozen conflict. As the Syrian regime vows to respond, the situation has escalated further, with intensified airstrikes from both Russia and Assad's forces aimed at quelling the insurgency.
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