The Decibel Syria’s revolution and its impact on global power
Dec 13, 2024
Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent for The Globe, discusses the surprising fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime after 13 years of civil war. He highlights the celebrations among Syrians amidst the chaos and the multifaceted power struggle involving global players like Iran, Turkey, the U.S., and Russia. MacKinnon delves into the origins of the uprising, the role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and the complicated future for refugees weighing their return against ongoing instability. An eye-opening exploration of a pivotal moment in Syrian history!
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The Spark of the Syrian Civil War
- The Syrian Civil War began with graffiti saying "It's your turn, Dr. Bashar al-Assad."
- The regime's harsh response to the graffiti, including torturing teenagers, sparked protests and escalated into war.
The Graffiti Artist's Story
- Mark MacKinnon interviewed Naif Abazid, initially believed to have written the graffiti, in 2016 and again recently.
- Abazid, who was tortured after the graffiti incident, now claims he didn't write it but confessed under duress.
Sudden Shift in the Syrian War
- The Syrian war's front lines remained largely static for years until a rebel offensive in November 2024.
- The rebels, encountering little resistance due to Hezbollah's weakening and Russia's focus on Ukraine, quickly advanced.