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The News Agents

Will Syria be governed by terrorists?

Dec 9, 2024
Carole Cadwalladr, an award-winning journalist, voices her concerns about the sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, warning it could lead to the downfall of The Guardian. The discussion shifts to Syria, where Ribal al-Assad provides insights on the regime's violent legacy. They explore the implications of Bashar al-Assad's absence and whether the UK should acknowledge emerging jihadi leadership. The conversation also touches on the ongoing struggle for democracy in Syria and the changing face of journalism amid organizational upheaval.
35:24

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The departure of Bashar al-Assad opens a critical window for political solutions in Syria, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and rejecting terrorism.
  • The potential leadership of al-Julani and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham complicates Western relations as they navigate the acceptance of former extremists in governance.

Deep dives

Political Solutions and Civil Protection

A pressing theme is the necessity for a political solution in Syria, emphasizing the protection of civilians and minorities. The conversation highlights the aftermath of Assad's regime, suggesting that while his departure is beneficial for the Syrian populace, it raises concerns about who will succeed him. The dialogue underscored that establishing peace requires collective rejection of terrorism and violence through a structured political process. Thus, the current focus is on engaging regional allies to negotiate these essential political pathways.

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