Today, Explained Reigniting Syria's civil war
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Dec 5, 2024 
Jihad Yazigi, Editor-in-chief of The Syria Report, delves into the recent resurgence of Syria's civil war, sparked by a rebel group's seizure of Aleppo. He highlights the intriguing motivations behind the group's leader, drawing parallels to historical figures. The discussion unveils how this shift in power dynamics impacts civilians and the Assad regime. Yazigi also touches on the evolution of radical groups like HTS, now seeking governance, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy amidst the ongoing turmoil.
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Hama Massacre
- In 1982, Hafez al-Assad brutally crushed an uprising in Hama, Syria, by cutting off essential supplies and shelling the city.
- This massacre, though pre-Twitter, highlighted the brutality of his regime and foreshadowed his son's similar tactics.
Syrian Civil War Origins
- The Syrian civil war began in 2011 as an uprising against Bashar al-Assad's regime, demanding political liberalization.
- Assad responded with violence, determined to maintain power, leading to armed conflict.
Rebel Advance
- A rebel group, HTS, swiftly advanced, taking over areas controlled by the Syrian government.
- The government's defenses collapsed unexpectedly, leading to a rapid rebel takeover of Aleppo.