Joseph Eptstein is back on the podcast to discuss recent events in the Middle East. As listeners of my podcast and readers of my newsletter know, Syria has undergone a seismic change in the last month with the collapse of the Assad regime, and the emergence of a new government composed of elements of a Turkey-backed rebel coalition. Where do we go from here?
Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” has suffered a major strategic defeat with the fall of Assad and Russia is desperately trying to reach an accommodation with the rebels on its bases in the country in an effort to avoid a major strategic defeat themselves.
Iran and Russia dealing with the strategic setbacks are wins enough for countries like Turkey, Israel, and the US, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Syrians are better off for it, or that an adversary’s strategic loss redounds to your strategic gain over the long term. So, the question remains: Where do we go from here?
Joseph and I unpack this question as we explore the events that led up to Assad’s ouster, the groups and people now seeking to build a better Syria, and the broader regional and global implications of one of 2024’s biggest black swan events.
Digging deeper
Commentary on Syria from Tim Talks Politics
Joseph’s prior appearances on the podcast:
The last word
For the Syrians, the only way forward that will lead to peace is a government void of sectarian strife. The new Syria must be for all its citizens, no matter their religion or ethnicity. Turkey and the U.S. should help implement such a vision. The risks are high, Syria could follow in the footsteps of Lebanon, Yemen, or Iraq, meaning more bloodshed and anguish.
Joseph Epstein, writing in Newsweek
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