John Fieldhouse, an expert on Syrian affairs, dives into the complex dynamics of the Syrian civil war, shedding light on the roles of various factions and foreign powers like Russia and Iran. He explains the portrayal of 'moderate rebels' versus extremist groups, and discusses how the Assad regime is struggling economically while grappling with drug trade issues. Fieldhouse emphasizes the importance of understanding these conflicts to grasp their geopolitical implications, especially in the context of U.S. foreign policy towards Russia and regional stability.