The Rest Is Politics 372. Syria, al-Sharaa, and the future of the Middle East
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Feb 15, 2025 
David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst with nearly a decade of experience covering Syria, discusses the implications of Ahmed Al-Sharaa's rise to power. He sheds light on the changing political landscape in Syria and how contemporary intelligence analysts adapt to these shifts. The conversation explores the fragmentation of Syria's military and potential new insurgencies, as well as the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and international intelligence sharing. Here, we see how the tumultuous dynamics in Syria resonate globally.
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Hopeful but Cautious
- Al-Sharaa, despite his background, is saying the right things, giving cautious optimism for Syria's future.
- His words offer hope, although tempered by the country's past.
Islamist Opposition
- Rory Stewart expresses concern over regimes portraying opposition as Islamists, citing a funded headteacher appearing on an al-Qaeda stage.
- David McCloskey discusses the history of effective Syrian opposition often being Salafi jihadists.
Bounty and Mystery
- Al-Sharaa's $10 million bounty reflects his past ties with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, raising concerns about his leadership.
- His actions in Iraq remain unclear, adding to the mystery around him.
