Post Reports A surprising turn in Syria's civil war
8 snips
Dec 4, 2024 
Kareem Fahim, The Post’s Middle East bureau chief, provides expert insights into the recent escalation of the Syrian civil war. He discusses the unexpected resurgence of Islamist rebels in Aleppo, challenging President Bashar al-Assad's long-standing control. The conversation highlights the implications for foreign powers like Russia and the U.S., as they navigate this shifting landscape. Fahim unpacks the complexities of the conflict, including the evolving role of the rebel group HTS and the potential impact on U.S. foreign policy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origins of the Syrian Civil War
- The Syrian civil war began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprisings.
- Assad's harsh crackdown on protests transformed peaceful demonstrations into armed conflict.
Significance of Aleppo
- Aleppo, Syria's largest city and economic hub before the war, holds significant strategic importance.
- Its recapture by rebels marks a major turning point in the 13-year conflict.
HTS and Its Goals
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, led the Aleppo offensive.
- HTS now claims to focus on local governance while aiming to overthrow Assad.