The Inquiry What’s the future for Syria’s divided north?
Nov 27, 2024
The podcast dives into the tumultuous history of Syria, starting from the 2011 protests and brutal crackdown that spiraled into civil war. It highlights the complex power landscape in northern Syria, where various factions vie for control. An unsettling resurgence of ISIS is taking place in the northeast, posing security challenges. The roles of international players, particularly the U.S. and Turkey, are examined amid the struggle for autonomy by Kurdish forces. Additionally, a stark contrast in economic conditions between the north and south reveals the dire humanitarian situation.
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Syria's Divided North
- Northern Syria's power is divided four ways: Assad regime, Islamist group HTS, Kurdish SDF, and Turkey-backed SNA.
- These groups oppose Assad but lack a shared vision for Syria's future, complicated by international actors.
ISIS Resurgence
- ISIS, though weakened, remains a threat in northeastern Syria, conducting increasingly sophisticated attacks.
- Their resurgence involves recruiting, extorting local businesses, and indoctrinating children in camps.
Normalization with Assad
- International community normalizes relations with Assad due to domestic motivations like refugee returns.
- This strengthens Assad's position, giving him leverage in negotiations and potentially sidelining Syrian voices.