The Chris Hedges Report

The Fall of Assad & What it Means for The Mid East (w/ Alastair Crooke) | The Chris Hedges Report

Dec 10, 2024
Alastair Crooke, a former British diplomat and Middle East expert, discusses the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad and its broad implications. He examines the role of rebel groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the strategic ambitions of Turkey and Israel in the region. The conversation delves into Syria's ongoing civil war and the dire humanitarian crisis it has caused. Crooke also critiques U.S.-Iran tensions, illustrating how geopolitical maneuvering continues to shape the Middle East's future amidst ongoing conflicts.
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ANECDOTE

Cheney and Bandar's Conversation

  • Dick Cheney complained to Prince Bandar that the Iraq invasion hadn't weakened Iran.
  • Bandar suggested empowering Islamic revolutionaries to target Syria, the weak link.
INSIGHT

Saudi Arabia's Geopolitical Strategy

  • Saudi Arabia aimed to invert the Middle Eastern power dynamic, making Sunnis paramount.
  • This involved isolating Iran, aligning with Gulf monarchs, and disrupting existing alliances.
INSIGHT

Syria's Economic Collapse

  • Syria's economy crumbled due to lost oil revenue, Turkish occupation, and sanctions.
  • The Syrian army was weakened by low pay ($7/month for conscripts, $40/month for generals) compared to militias ($2,000/month).
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