Americano
Is Assad’s downfall a ‘catastrophic success’?
Dec 9, 2024
Michael Weiss, Editor at The Insider, and Owen Matthews, a writer and historian specializing in Russia, dive into the unexpected collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. They explore the implications for regional powers and the potential restoration of the Arab Spring spirit. The duo examines how this may reshape U.S. foreign policy and Iran's weakened influence amidst shifting alliances. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of jihadism, highlighting its shift from terrorism to a more nationalist approach.
42:13
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Quick takeaways
- The rapid downfall of Assad's regime reveals its inherent fragility and highlights the complex geopolitical influences shaping the conflict in Syria.
- The reorientation of jihadist leaders like Abu Muhammad al-Jolani signifies a shift towards state-building ambitions, impacting future regional stability.
Deep dives
Collapse of the Assad Regime
The sudden collapse of the Assad regime has raised significant questions regarding its stability and the speed of its downfall. Historical military units, such as the Republican Guard and Fourth Division, seemingly crumbled without much resistance, highlighting the regime's fragility. Geopolitical factors, particularly the normalization of relations with Assad by Gulf states, contributed to this outcome as external powers began navigating changing alliances. The dramatic shift has suggested that the regime was far more brittle than previously believed.
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