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The Story

ISIS 2.0?

Dec 10, 2024
Mark Urban, a writer and columnist for The Sunday Times and former BBC correspondent, brings his expertise on the Syrian conflict. He discusses the chaotic power dynamics following Assad's regime and the risks of ISIS exploiting this turmoil. Urban highlights the ideological splits within jihadist factions and the challenges Western governments face regarding terrorism. He also touches on shifting power in the Middle East, particularly Iran's impact, and the societal trauma endured by Syrians amid ongoing instability.
25:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The power vacuum following Bashar al-Assad's fall heightens fears of ISIS resurgence and the rise of new militant factions in Syria.
  • Ideological differences among jihadist groups complicate the conflict, as some factions prioritize foreign occupation resistance over intra-Muslim violence.

Deep dives

Exploring the Aftermath of Assad's Regime

The fall of Bashar al-Assad has led to a transformative moment in Syria, with many citizens celebrating the end of an oppressive regime marked by widespread torture and human rights violations. This shift has resulted in a considerable power vacuum in which various factions, including those previously aligned with ISIS, could potentially regroup and gain strength. The speaker highlights concerns over the newly emerged leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, who has connections to al-Qaeda and could exploit the chaos left in Assad's wake. As Syria transitions, the fear is that ISIS may seek to reestablish its presence, posing risks both regionally and beyond.

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