The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series What's Up with the Middle East: Syrian Dysfunction || Peter Zeihan
Jun 6, 2025
Syria is experiencing a tense calm, but the new President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, faces significant challenges. The political landscape is fragile, marked by deep sectarian divides and external pressures. The delicate balance of power raises concerns about potential conflicts driven by regional rivalries. The podcast delves into these complexities, offering insights into the intricacies of governance in a nation grappling with its troubled past.
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Syria's Fragmented Governance
- Syria's new government controls most territory but faces deep-rooted sectarian and regional divisions.
- External backers like Russia and Iran have stopped stabilizing support, weakening central control.
Turkish and Israeli Interests
- Turkey and Israel benefit from Syria's instability, conducting military actions without resistance.
- A consolidated Syrian state would challenge their freedom to operate, so they prefer Syria's current semi-failed status.
Gulf States' Divided Approach
- Gulf States back different Syrian factions inconsistently and currently delay investment without a clear security plan.
- Their disunity and caution leave Syria in limbo, awaiting a decisive turn.