The Truth of the Matter Syria’s House of Cards
Dec 11, 2024
Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at CSIS's Middle East program and a Syria expert, delves into the precarious state of the Assad regime. She unpacks the internal rifts among militia groups and the shifting power dynamics influenced by external actors like Russia and Iran. The discussion spotlights the pivotal rebel groups and their strategies, as well as the pressing humanitarian issues faced by civilians, particularly women. Hall calls for increased international support to navigate the complexities of Syria’s recovery and leadership challenges.
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Syrian Regime's Fragility
- The Assad regime's stability was largely dependent on external support from Russia, Hezbollah, and Iran.
- Its internal structure was weak, resembling a house of cards.
Unexpected Collapse
- The rapid fall of the Assad regime surprised experts, including Natasha Hall, who has extensive experience in Syria.
- The lack of internal resistance suggests a deeper rot within the regime than anticipated.
HTS: A Nuanced Player
- HTS, led by Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, has a complex history.
- Despite links to Al-Qaeda, they fought against ISIS and coordinated with external powers.