Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell

EMERGENCY EPISODE: The Fall of Aleppo

Dec 1, 2024
In this intense discussion, freelance reporter Thomas van Linge shares his frontline insights into the dramatic fall of Aleppo. He explores the unexpected resurgence of rebel forces and how social media is reshaping the conflict narrative. Van Linge dives into the Assad regime's connections to the Captagon drug trade, revealing its impact on Syria's economy. He also discusses Turkey's strategic maneuvers amidst shifting alliances and the ongoing refugee crisis, painting a complex picture of the region's dynamics.
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INSIGHT

Rebels Recapture Aleppo

  • HTS fighters entered Aleppo, Syria's second largest city, on November 29th.
  • This marks a significant turning point in the Syrian civil war, as Aleppo was previously held by the rebels and lost in 2016.
INSIGHT

HTS Transformation

  • HTS, formerly linked to Al-Qaeda, has rebranded itself as a regional force.
  • Leader Jolani has adopted a more moderate public image, balancing the group's fundamentalist elements with the needs of the local population.
INSIGHT

Assad's Vulnerability

  • Russia's involvement in Ukraine has diverted its resources and attention from Syria.
  • This, combined with the weakening of Hezbollah and Iran's limited capabilities due to Israeli airstrikes, has left Assad vulnerable.
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