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Jacobin Radio

Jacobin Radio: Collapse in Syria w/ Gilbert Achcar

Dec 9, 2024
Gilbert Achcar, a Professor at SOAS University and an expert on Middle Eastern politics, dissects the recent upheaval in Syria and the origins of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. He connects the dots between Israel's conflicts and the collapse of Assad's regime while critiquing the global rise of far-right movements. Achcar warns about the implications of another Trump administration for the Middle East and highlights the precarious balance of power in France amidst discontent with neoliberalism, showcasing the interconnectedness of these global crises.
01:00:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Gilbert Achcar illustrates how the recent collapse of the Assad regime in Syria is linked to Hezbollah's weakening and broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
  • The rise of the far right globally, especially in France and the US, signifies a crisis in traditional political structures, threatening democratic governance and social cohesion.

Deep dives

Renewed Hostilities in the Middle East

The escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, is interconnected and reflects deeper geopolitical tensions. The ongoing violence in these regions is not merely a series of isolated incidents but rather a chain reaction stemming from past interventions and existing hostility among various factions. Gilbert Ashkar emphasizes that the civil war in Syria, which began over a decade ago, has recently reignited due to shifts in control and external influences, notably the impact of Hezbollah's weakening in Lebanon. This creates opportunities for factions opposed to the Syrian regime, leading to further instability in an already volatile region.

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