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The Global Story

Who are the rebels threatening Assad's grip on Syria?

Dec 3, 2024
Mina Al-Lami, a jihadist media specialist with BBC Monitoring, and Barbara Plett Usher, a BBC correspondent with deep insights from Beirut, dive into the resurgence of conflict in Syria. They discuss the recent rebel offensive in Aleppo and its implications for Assad's regime. The dialogue explores the transformation of rebel factions like HTS and the hope for reform among the Syrian people. Additionally, the strategic significance of Aleppo emerges, highlighting a complex web of geopolitics and the resilience of civilians amidst renewed violence.
23:51

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The recent offensive by rebel groups in Aleppo marks a surprising resurgence in Syria's civil war, challenging Assad's long-held power.
  • The fragmented nature of rebel groups and their inability to unite has historically limited their effectiveness against Assad's regime.

Deep dives

The Resurgence of Conflict in Syria

A surprising resurgence of the long-dormant civil war in Syria has taken place, initiated by rebel groups launching an offensive in Aleppo. This sudden shift has prompted a strong response from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has vowed to suppress the uprising with the help of Russian airstrikes. Over the years, the conflict has evolved, with various factions forming and multiple foreign players, such as Iran and Hezbollah, intervening to support Assad's regime. The recent offensive raises questions about the potential restructuring of power dynamics within Syria, as the rebel coalition seeks to reclaim lost territories.

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