Pod Save the World What’s Next for Syria?
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Dec 11, 2024 Dareen Khalifa, Senior Advisor at the International Crisis Group, brings her deep expertise on Syrian affairs to the conversation. She discusses the aftermath of the Assad regime's fall, including the formation of a new interim government by the rebel group HTS. Khalifa delves into the implications of designating HTS as a terrorist entity and the humanitarian crises affecting Syrian refugees. The talk also highlights the emerging role of rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani and the challenges of governance in a post-Assad landscape.
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HTS Designation Dilemma
- The U.S. must decide whether to lift the terrorist designation on HTS, now governing Syria.
- This impacts humanitarian aid and other countries’ engagement due to sanctions.
Recommended Approach to HTS
- Lift the HTS terrorist designation but warn of re-imposing it if extremist behavior resumes.
- This enables aid and dialogue while maintaining leverage.
European Refugee Response
- European countries halting Syrian asylum applications despite ongoing instability is concerning.
- Austria even aims to deport Syrian refugees, contradicting their stance on HTS.