Heidi Pett

Heidi Pett, a correspondent based in Damascus, shares her insights from a meeting with Syria's transitional leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Once a rebel fighter and enemy of the U.S., he is now forging a new political path. The conversation delves into al-Sharaa's transformation, his audience with Trump, and the potential lifting of sanctions on Syria. Pett highlights the dire economic realities facing the population amidst his cautious approach to governance and the complex challenges of uniting a fractured nation post-Assad.

Heidi Pett, a Damascus-based journalist, dissects Ahmed al-Sharaa's swift rise to power and the implications of lifted US sanctions on Syria. Hannah Lucinda-Smith, an Istanbul correspondent, shares insights on Turkey's current affairs, including a factory explosion and regional headlines. Mai Pandek, an Israeli lawyer and activist, introduces a unique 'two states, one homeland' vision for shared governance in Jerusalem. Dave Guja discusses the booming global travel market, highlighting Middle East growth, while acclaimed author Helen Garner reflects on her award-winning diary collection.

In this engaging discussion, Damascus-based journalist Heidi Pett, who reports on the ongoing Syrian conflict, provides insight into the recent Israeli airstrike that shocked Damascus. She details the increasing sectarian tensions between the Druze and Bedouin fighters and the Syrian government, hinting at the fragile state of peace. Pett shares chilling accounts of violence in Sueda and the dire humanitarian conditions, warning that the escalating conflict could lead to a renewed civil war, as communities fracture and displacement rises.