The Syrian Civil War Pt.6: The Siege Ends, The Regime Falls

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May 7, 2025

Matar Ismaeel, a filmmaker and political activist from Misyaaf, shares his harrowing experiences during the Syrian Civil War. He discusses the radicalization of friends and the violence he captured on film, including the fierce battles between opposition forces and ISIS. Matar reflects on the emotional impact of evacuating Southern Damascus and celebrates the fall of the Assad regime. His insights offer a poignant look into the challenges ahead for Syria, blending personal narratives with the complexities of a conflicted landscape.

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INSIGHT

Complex ISIS-Nusra Dynamics

ISIS and Nusra initially collaborated against Assad but split as ISIS grew ambitions for control.
Nusra in southern Damascus was sympathetic to ISIS, complicating local dynamics due to isolation from leadership.

ANECDOTE

Friends Turned Jihadists

Some friends of Matar became jihadists believing revolution wasn't enough, influenced by jihadist ideology and history.
They distanced themselves, shifting discussions from overthrowing Assad to jihadist ideological differences.

ANECDOTE

Filming First ISIS-Rebel Battle

Matar filmed the first battle of Southern Damascus where Free Syrian Army fought ISIS.
He saw ISIS as an internal enemy threatening the rebel cause, not part of the revolution.

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This week on Conflicted we are drawing our narrative arc on Syria to a close with our second episode with filmmaker and political activist, Matar Ismaeel.

Last time Matar told us about his experiences filming protests in 2011 as the Syrian revolution began, being tortured in Assad’s prisons, and witnessing firsthand the brutal siege of Southern Damascus.

This episode Matar finishes his remarkable story with us - from recounting how Friends of his were radicalised by a ISIS to the battles he witnessed between opposition forces, Assad’s forces and Islamist forces—especially ISIS.

Finally, Matar recounts the decision to evacuate Southern Damascus and gives his reflections on the future of Syria now the Assad regime has been toppled. He even invites Conflicted to join them in their celebrations - well deserved after all this time.

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