7am The fall of Assad: What's next for Syria?
Dec 11, 2024
Gregg Carlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the seismic changes in Syria following the decline of Bashar al-Assad's regime. He discusses the emotional aftermath as citizens celebrate amidst a backdrop of chaos and uncertainty. The conversation also covers the evolution of the rebel group HTS and the complex challenges of establishing governance in post-Assad Syria. Additionally, Carlstrom analyzes the shifting geopolitical landscape, including the potential roles of Turkey and Iran in this new era.
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Fall of Damascus
- Discarded Syrian army uniforms lined the streets of Damascus as soldiers abandoned their posts.
- Jubilant civilians celebrated by breaking into the presidential palace after Assad's regime fell.
HTS and Idlib
- The rebel group HTS, now in control, is Islamist but has moderated since breaking with al-Qaeda.
- They established a functional government in Idlib, providing better services than the regime.
Al-Julani's Journey
- HTS leader, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, fought in Iraq against Americans and later against Assad in Syria.
- Despite a $10 million bounty, his focus has always been returning to Damascus and overthrowing Assad.