The Syrian civil war and a stunning reversal for the Assad regime
Dec 4, 2024
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Foreign correspondent Ruth Michaelson, an expert on the Middle East, dives into the complexities of the Syrian civil war. She discusses the fall of Aleppo and the rise of Islamist militants, describing the chaos in the Syrian army. Michaelson highlights the challenges faced by residents, sharing their emotional turmoil amidst the conflict. She also examines the shifting alliances supporting Assad’s regime and the implications of diminishing support from Russia and Iran. This insightful analysis reveals the personal and political stakes in a war-torn nation.
The unexpected capture of Aleppo by the rebels highlights Bashar al-Assad's regime's increasing vulnerability amid dwindling support from key allies.
Civilians in Aleppo face a complex emotional landscape, experiencing brief relief from Assad's control while fearing potential reprisals and renewed violence.
Deep dives
The Recent Advancements in the Syrian Civil War
A significant resurgence in the Syrian civil war unfolded when the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched an unexpected offensive last week, taking control of Aleppo, one of the country’s most critical cities. The offensive was sparked by airstrikes from the Syrian army that prompted militants to move quickly towards Aleppo, facilitating their rapid advance without substantial resistance. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the rebels gained access to parts of the city unexpectedly, raising questions about the Syrian army's preparedness and significant retreat. This swift capture of Aleppo has led to renewed concerns regarding the stability of President Bashar al-Assad's regime as his forces scrambled to respond to the surprising turn of events.
The Shifting Role of Regional Powers
The backdrop of recent military shifts has been influenced by the decreasing effectiveness of Assad's key allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, who have become preoccupied with other conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in Gaza. With these powers distracted and unable to provide the robust support they previously offered, the rebel factions capitalized on this window of opportunity to regain territory. The Syrian military’s unexpected retreat during the offensive emphasizes the fragility of Assad’s control, especially in light of the absence of decisive ally intervention. This decline in external support raises significant questions about Assad's ability to maintain power amidst renewed insurgent actions.
The Impact on Civilians and Rebel Dynamics
Civilians in Aleppo experienced a mix of shock and fleeting joy as rebels took control after years of brutal conflict with the regime, but fears of renewed violence hung heavily in the air. As the new militants moved in, many residents were uncertain of their future and concerned about living under a different kind of authority, reflecting a pervasive sense of dread about possible reprisals from the Assad regime. Reports of airstrikes shortly after the rebel takeover reinforced these fears, as locals recalled the devastation experienced during past assaults. The situation highlights not only the complex nature of power dynamics in Syria but also the lasting psychological impact on those caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.
Foreign correspondent Ruth Michaelson explains how President Bashar al-Assad’s government lost Aleppo, Syria’s second-biggest city, and who the Islamist militants are who have taken control there Because of industrial action taking place by members of the National Union of Journalists at the Guardian and Observer this week, you may notice some disruption to the availability of new episodes in your Guardian podcast feeds in the coming days. All the work on this episode was done before the strike action began. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
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