In this discussion, Charles Lister, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, and Ammar Abdulhamid, a Syrian pro-democracy activist, delve into the current landscape of the Syrian conflict. They analyze the situation on the ground as rebels challenge the Assad regime and the complex roles of various factions. The conversation highlights the urgent need for support from foreign governments and the implications for women's rights and minority autonomy in a potential transition. Cautious optimism emerges for future negotiations amidst a fractured political landscape.

Charles Lister, a Syria analyst for the Middle Eastern Institute, navigates the intricacies of the shifting geopolitical landscape in Syria. He dissects the rising influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its attempts at political representation. The podcast also explores the complex alliances between Turkey, HTS, and various factions, emphasizing military shifts influenced by the Ukraine conflict. Lister highlights the ongoing chaos in northern Aleppo, challenges from ISIS, and the broader implications of international involvement on Syria’s fragile governance.

In this discussion, Charles Lister, a senior fellow and expert on Syria at the Middle East Institute, delves into the renewed intensity of the Syrian Civil War. He highlights the ongoing military offensives driven by opposition forces and the complex realities of the Assad regime's capabilities. Lister also examines the role of key players like Russia and Iran, the evolution of rebel group HTS, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the international community regarding intervention. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for a united global response to the crisis.

Join former CIA officer Mark Polymeropoulos and Charles Lister from the Middle East Institute as they dissect the intense geopolitical maneuvering in Syria. They discuss how Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Israel are all vying for influence while Syria's future hangs precariously. The guests delve into the evolving U.S. engagement and past policy mistakes, highlight the resurgence of ISIS, and explore the shifting alliances around Kurdish forces. Their insights on this 'great game' reveal a complex web of interests that could shape the region for years to come.

In a deep dive into global terrorism, Charles Lister, a Middle East Institute expert on ISIS, and Ryan O’Farrell, a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation focused on ISIS in Africa, unpack the group's alarming resurgence. They discuss the shift in ISIS tactics, rising attacks, and the dire situation in Syrian detainee camps. The conversation also highlights ISIS’s expanding influence in Africa and the challenges faced by local populations. With complex insurgent dynamics and dwindling Western support, there's a pressing need for renewed international attention.