Global News Podcast Syria to join US-led coalition fighting IS group
19 snips
Nov 11, 2025 
Tom Bateman, BBC's US State Department correspondent, discusses Syria's unexpected entry into the anti-IS coalition and its renewed ties with Washington. He details Trump's remarks about Syria's leadership and the politics behind sanctions relief. Meanwhile, David Willis, BBC's US correspondent, analyzes the recent government shutdown's impact on food aid and federal services. The podcast also touches on a deadly car blast in Delhi and highlights the sensational case of the 'Chinese Cryptoqueen' facing sentencing for massive fraud.
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US Chooses Stability Over Past Labels
- The US reconciled with a former extremist-led Syrian administration to secure strategic cooperation against IS.
- Washington prioritised stability and coalition support over past designations to achieve short-term geopolitical gains.
Sanctions Relief Traded For Military Cooperation
- The White House sought sanctions relief for Syria while securing its agreement to join the anti-IS coalition.
- US policy favours pragmatic deals that trade economic concessions for military cooperation.
Admiration For Toughness Shapes Policy
- President Trump emphasised admiration for 'tough' leaders and publicly embraced Ahmed al-Shara despite his violent past.
- That stylistic preference shaped US engagement and risked downplaying human-rights concerns.
