The Pete Quiñones Show
Episode 1142: What's Happening in Syria? w/ John Fieldhouse
Dec 5, 2024
John Fieldhouse, an expert on Syrian affairs, dives into the complex dynamics of the Syrian civil war, shedding light on the roles of various factions and foreign powers like Russia and Iran. He explains the portrayal of 'moderate rebels' versus extremist groups, and discusses how the Assad regime is struggling economically while grappling with drug trade issues. Fieldhouse emphasizes the importance of understanding these conflicts to grasp their geopolitical implications, especially in the context of U.S. foreign policy towards Russia and regional stability.
53:45
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Quick takeaways
- The recent rebel offensive in Aleppo, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, signifies a crucial shift in the Syrian civil war's dynamics and shows the vulnerability of Assad's regime.
- The involvement of foreign powers, such as Russia and Iran, complicates the conflict, influencing regional power dynamics and the strategies of local actors amid shifting alliances.
Deep dives
The Role of Rebel Forces in Aleppo
An alliance of rebel groups, led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recently launched a significant offensive in Aleppo, which is Syria's largest city. This marked a critical shift in the dynamics of the Syrian civil war, ultimately resulting in the rebels capturing the city after years of relative dormancy for rebel operations. The HTS coalition, which has historical ties to al-Qaeda, has successfully overrun government positions, catching both analysts and Syrian government forces off-guard. This offensive signifies a desperate attempt from the rebels to reclaim territory that was lost when the Assad regime regained control in 2016.
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