The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: The Return of the Syrian Civil War
Dec 3, 2024
In this discussion, Charles Lister, a senior fellow and expert on Syria at the Middle East Institute, delves into the renewed intensity of the Syrian Civil War. He highlights the ongoing military offensives driven by opposition forces and the complex realities of the Assad regime's capabilities. Lister also examines the role of key players like Russia and Iran, the evolution of rebel group HTS, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the international community regarding intervention. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for a united global response to the crisis.
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Rapid Territorial Shift
- The Syrian conflict saw a dramatic shift in territorial control within just five days.
- Aleppo City, Idlib province, and parts of Hama province are now under opposition control, resembling the situation in 2017-2018.
Reasons for Opposition Success
- The opposition's success can be attributed to their improved training, night operations capabilities, and use of suicide drones.
- Conversely, the Syrian regime's forces have stagnated, suffering from corruption and lack of cohesiveness.
HTS and the Opposition Coalition
- HTS, while dominant, operates within a coalition that includes other Islamist groups.
- Despite past ties to Al-Qaeda, HTS has publicly broken from them and is engaging in PR efforts to present a changed image, even rebuilding Christian churches.