Haaretz Podcast
'They're no Zionists': How Syria's rebels toppled Assad and what it means for Israel
Dec 9, 2024
Amos Harel, Haaretz's senior military analyst, and Hassan Hassan, a Syrian-born journalist and author, dive into the complex aftermath of the Assad regime's collapse. They discuss how the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, with roots in extremist ideologies, may adopt a pragmatic approach towards Israel similar to that of Assad. Harel expresses skepticism about HTS's supposed moderation, while Hassan highlights potential stability implications for Israel. The conversation sheds light on shifting power dynamics and the cautious optimism among Syrians yearning for change.
38:03
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Quick takeaways
- The fall of Assad's regime has shifted the power dynamics in the Middle East, raising concerns for Israeli intelligence and stability.
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's pragmatic approach towards governance may lead to a quieter border with Israel, despite its extremist roots.
Deep dives
Factors Behind the Fall of Assad's Regime
The rapid fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria can be attributed to a combination of internal and external factors. Domestically, Assad’s long-standing, corrupt rule faced growing discontent amid a civil war that had wearied the populace and weakened the regime's control. Externally, the defeat of Hezbollah in Lebanon shifted the balance, revealing vulnerabilities in the Shiite alliance, which the Sunni rebels seized as an opportunity to advance. The rebels quickly capitalized on this moment of weakness, launching their campaign against Assad's control, with events unfolding in just over a week.
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