Podcasts about bashar al assad

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled Syria for Russia a year ago as rebels commanded by Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seized the country. Initially greeted with some skepticism for his terrorist ties, al-Sharaa is now feted on world stages. Horovitz shares impressions from what he heard from Syrian officials during a recent Damascus trip and how their new leader, under the Trump administration's wing, is increasingly boldly criticizing Israel and its hold on the buffer zone between the two nations. This morning, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz arrived in Israel for an official visit focused on advancing Washington’s peace plan for Gaza. Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza is “almost” complete, and that he expects to move on to its second phase soon, at a joint Jerusalem press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. However, yesterday evening, the premier expressed skepticism about the notion that a multinational force meant to patrol Gaza could successfully disarm Hamas. We speak about Israel's concerns, Hamas's alleged readiness to "freeze" its weapons arsenal and the current facts on the ground in Gaza. Israeli and Qatari officials met in New York on Sunday, according to a report, in the first of a series of trilateral meetings set up by US envoy Steve Witkoff, who is looking to mend ties that were frayed by Israel’s botched September strike on Hamas offices in Qatar. At the same time, the White House is also reportedly looking to broker a summit between Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Horovitz weighs in. During his meeting with Merz yesterday, Netanyahu said that he will not retire from politics in exchange for a pardon in his corruption trial, and also that he is not interested in a plea bargain. Horovitz sets the scene and explains its significance in the ongoing Netanyahu legal saga. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Syria still struggles to heal from civil war, a year after Assad regime’s fall Netanyahu says phase one of Gaza truce ‘almost’ complete, alongside Germany’s Merz Eyeing phase two in Gaza, PM airs skepticism on whether international force can disarm Hamas Hamas ready to discuss ‘freezing or storing’ its weapons, says terror group official Israel, Qatar meet as US looks to mend relations, move to phase 2 in Gaza – report White House said to be pushing for summit between Netanyahu and Egypt’s Sissi Netanyahu says he won’t quit politics in exchange for pardon in corruption trial Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, greets people as he attends celebrations marking the first anniversary of the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki) ISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Syrians celebrate ‘Liberation Day’, we get the mood on the ground in Damascus and assess how far the country has come. Then: Hong Kong’s local elections in the wake of deadly fires and the future of Hollywood as Netflix buys Warner Bros Discovery. Plus: Monocle’s Christmas market in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UN human rights investigators have said that the cycles of vengeance and reprisal must be brought to an end in Syria, as the country commemorates the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. A UN independent commission of inquiry commended the steps taken by Syria's new leadership to address the crimes and abuses of the Assad era. But it said violent incidents in the past year had raised worries about the future direction of the country. Newshour's Lyse Doucet is in Damascus.Also in the programme: we profile Formula 1's new champion Lando Norris; and a new documentary looks at what senior US military officials know about UFOs. (Photo: A drone view shows the parliament in Damascus, Syria, September 21, 2025. Credit: Reuters/Mahmoud Hassano)

A year has passed since Bashar Al Assad's government fell in Syria, marking the end of a brutal civil war that lasted for almost 14 years. In the end, it took less than two weeks last December for an insurgency of rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham to take control of Damascus. It was a euphoric moment for Syrians opposed to the Assad regime. The HTS leader quickly traded his fatigues for a suit, and his nom de guerre for his new title as President Ahmad Al Shara. He was widely accepted by the international community, most notably the US. But even as sanctions were eased and reconstruction pledges rolled in, the honeymoon phase was ending. Sectarian violence, revenge killings, economic despair and devastated infrastructure posed challenges for the transitional government. As Mr Al Shara looks to the West for legitimacy and the region for economic support, the pressure is also mounting on him internally to reunite the fragmented country. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher is joined by Rahaf Aldoughli, assistant professor at Lancaster University, and Charles Lister, director of the Syria Programme at the Middle East Institute. They discuss how Mr Al Shara has fared over the past year and whether Syria is better off today.

Iain Dale talks to former Conservative MP Brooks Newmark about the rule of the Syrian dictator who eventually fled to exile in Moscow. Brooks met Assad on nine occasions.

In this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience. Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life. Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 David Lesch joins the Chuck ToddCast 01:00 Origin of “Dodgers to Damascus” 02:00 It’s weird reading about someone else’s writing about yourself 04:30 What drew David to the Middle East 06:15 Most people don’t understand the Middle East pre 1948 07:00 Fall of Ottoman Empire isn’t covered well in public education 09:00 Artificial divisions in Middle East were to benefit Europe 10:45 Countries in the Middle East lack a national identity 11:30 Davd’s relationship with Bashar Al-Assad 12:30 Assad was raised as an authoritarian and child of conflict 14:30 Any faith in the new leader of Syria to bring about positive change? 16:45 Syria has been helping with counter terrorist operations 18:00 Syria likely on the way to being a sectarian majoritarian state 21:00 Which Middle East country has the best shot at trying democracy? 22:00 Iran’s weakness makes Kurdistan more possible 23:00 Iranian ayatollahs won’t be able hold power when Khamenei dies 24:00 Iran’s government is teetering, and their proxies are weak 25:30 Iran would be an economic power if they became a western democracy 26:15 Israel is at the apex of military power in the region 29:30 The academic case for the Saudis being a partner 30:45 Can the Saudis and Iranians co-exist if Iran moderates? 32:00 How did baseball give you extra perspective on the middle east 34:00 Would modern sports medicine have saved your career? 36:00 The motion for pitching is not meant for human anatomy 37:30 Throwing sidearm is much less damaging for your arm 39:30 The Braves legendary pitching lineup 41:00 David wishes he had at least one year in the majors 42:15 Nolan Ryan’s missing flexor tendon was his superpower 44:30 Teams run the risk of ending pitchers careers early to win a title 46:15 Why is Ohtani so unusual, why haven’t pitchers been able to hit? 48:15 Could you see people in the Middle East getting into baseball? 51:15 Middle East would need a star from that region to rise in MLB 52:00 Islamophobia exists on both sides of the isle 52:30 Travel helps to cure phobias 53:45 Islamophobia is a harder barrier to break than people realize 57:15 Dodgers to Damascus is more of a middle east book than baseballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Chuck ToddCast, Chuck breaks down how Donald Trump is being consumed by the growing Epstein feeding frenzy — from his inexplicable softness toward Ghislaine Maxwell to signs he may be genuinely afraid of what she knows. As Trump lashes out at Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene with the same fury he once reserved for impeachment-backers, his grip on the GOP shows early signs of slipping, even as the DOJ considers whether reopening the Epstein investigation could delay the release of sensitive files. With the economy struggling, tariffs quietly being dropped, and ACA subsidies suddenly in play, Trump’s visible panic comes at a politically vulnerable moment. Chuck also recaps conversations from the Texas Tribune Festival, where potential Democratic contenders like Wes Moore and Tim Walz signaled a return to mainstream, service-rooted politics — and where Moore’s centrist lane and military background set him apart as 2028 speculation slowly heats up. Then, historian and author David Lesch joins Chuck to discuss the new book Dodgers to Damascus — an unexpected blend of Middle Eastern politics and baseball. Lesch traces his path from aspiring major-leaguer to one of America’s foremost scholars on Syria, explaining how the fall of the Ottoman Empire, artificial borders drawn by European powers, and a lack of cohesive national identity still shape the region today. He offers candid reflections on his relationship with Bashar al-Assad, why Syria is likely drifting toward a sectarian majoritarian state, and whether any country in the Middle East is truly positioned to attempt democracy. From Iran’s teetering leadership to the Saudis’ complicated partnership with the West, Lesch unpacks the geopolitical moment with clarity and experience. Chuck and David also dive into the surprising ways baseball helped him understand the Middle East — and vice versa. Lesch reflects on the physical toll of pitching, the Braves’ legendary rotation, and why modern sports medicine might have saved his career. The conversation even explores whether the Middle East could ever embrace baseball, the role of Islamophobia in shaping perceptions, and why travel remains one of the strongest antidotes to fear. Ultimately, Dodgers to Damascus is less a sports memoir and more a sweeping look at a region still wrestling with the consequences of history — and this episode brings that complexity to life. Finally, Chuck hops in the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit several pivotal moments in the history of American conspiracy theories that all fell on the same calendar week, plus he recaps the weekend in college football! Go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:00 Trump is being consumed by the Epstein feeding frenzy 04:30 Trump’s leniency towards Ghislaine Maxwell is perplexing 05:15 Trump seems to fear Maxwell…but why? 06:30 There’s something Maxwell knows about Trump that scares him 08:00 Trump goes to war with Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene 09:15 He’s as mad at Massie and Greene as he was with R’s who voted to impeach 11:00 DOJ can avoid releasing the Epstein files by reopening investigation 12:30 Trump is rattled at a time when the economy is struggling 14:00 Administration dropping tariffs, know they’ve raised costs 14:30 It looks like ACA subsidies will actually have a chance to pass 16:00 Offering cash payouts to pay for premiums is a strange solution 17:30 Trump is letting America “see him sweat” over Epstein 19:15 Trump’s influence over the GOP is starting to wane 19:45 If Massie wins his primary, it will be a major rebuke of Trump 20:30 Trump only punishes Republicans who don’t go along with his lies 22:15 We are witnessing the lame duck period beginning for Trump 23:15 Chuck’s experience at Texas Tribune fest, multiple Dem ‘28 hopefuls 24:00 Wes Moore fully embraced the centrist lane during interview with Chuck 25:15 Wes Moore didn’t join the military to “check a political box” 27:00 Tim Walz & Wes Moore agree Trump’s penchant for action is a strong trait 30:15 Wes Moore will run more as a mainstream Dem, not a progressive 35:00 David Lesch joins the Chuck ToddCast 36:00 Origin of “Dodgers to Damascus” 37:00 It’s weird reading about someone else’s writing about yourself 39:30 What drew David to the Middle East 41:15 Most people don’t understand the Middle East pre 1948 42:00 Fall of Ottoman Empire isn’t covered well in public education 44:00 Artificial divisions in Middle East were to benefit Europe 45:45 Countries in the Middle East lack a national identity 46:30 David’s relationship with Bashar Al-Assad 47:30 Assad was raised as an authoritarian and child of conflict 49:30 Any faith in the new leader of Syria to bring about positive change? 51:45 Syria has been helping with counter terrorist operations 53:00 Syria likely on the way to being a sectarian majoritarian state 56:00 Which Middle East country has the best shot at trying democracy? 57:00 Iran’s weakness makes Kurdistan more possible 58:00 Iranian ayatollahs won’t be able hold power when Khamenei dies 59:00 Iran’s government is teetering, and their proxies are weak 1:00:30 Iran would be an economic power if they became a western democracy 1:01:15 Israel is at the apex of military power in the region 1:04:30 The academic case for the Saudis being a partner 1:05:45 Can the Saudis and Iranians co-exist if Iran moderates? 1:07:00 How did baseball give you extra perspective on the middle east 1:09:00 Would modern sports medicine have saved your career? 1:11:00 The motion for pitching is not meant for human anatomy 1:12:30 Throwing sidearm is much less damaging for your arm 1:14:30 The Braves legendary pitching lineup 1:16:00 David wishes he had at least one year in the majors 1:17:15 Nolan Ryan’s missing flexor tendon was his superpower 1:19:30 Teams run the risk of ending pitchers careers early to win a title 1:21:15 Why is Ohtani so unusual, why haven’t pitchers been able to hit? 1:23:15 Could you see people in the Middle East getting into baseball? 1:26:15 Middle East would need a star from that region to rise in MLB 1:27:00 Islamophobia exists on both sides of the isle 1:27:30 Travel helps to cure phobias 1:28:45 Islamophobia is a harder barrier to break than people realize 1:32:15 Dodgers to Damascus is more of a middle east book than baseball 1:33:00 Chuck’s thoughts on the interview with David Lesch 1:33:15 ToddCast Time Machine 1:33:45 Jonestown, JFK assassination, gap in Nixon tapes same calendar week 1:35:00 Jonestown shows a closed information system can destroy judgement 1:36:00 Jonestown shows the consequences of conspiratorial thinking 1:36:45 JFK conspiracy shows what happens when gov’t can’t convince public 1:37:45 JFK’s death caused boomers to mistrust the government 1:38:45 Nixon tape gap reinforced public’s mistrust in government 1:40:15 The public never received justice for Watergate 1:41:15 Americans now process events through lens of government coverup 1:43:30 Public is correct to believe they aren’t getting the entire story 1:45:30 College football recapSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perfidī diurnāriī Britannicī Tīmotheus Davie, director generālis Britannicae Societātis Divulgātiōnī, quae saepius litterīs compendiāriīs BBC vocitātur, et Deborah Turness, ēius sociētātis diurnāriīs praefecta, coāctī sunt mūneribus abdicāre, cum alia societas diurnāriōrum, quae Tēlegraphēma dīcitur, dēmonstrāvisset diurnāriōs Britannicae Societātis Divulgātiōnī ōrātiōnem praesidis Americānī partibus omissīs aliīsque falsē coniunctīs consultō et cōnsciōs dētorsisse, ut ille contrārium suae ōrātiōnis dixisse vidērētur. Nāvēs prope Americam Merīdiōnālem Britannī diē Martis inhibuērunt quōminus suī speculātōrēs Americānīs auxilium darent, cum ipsī coepissent timēre nē Americānī, quippe quī iam ad octōginta narcotromocratās et mercātōrēs venēnī indemnātōs per mare Caribbicum interfēcissent, iūs gentium violārent. Eōdem diē ad mare Caribbicum advēnit duodecima Americāna classis, Thomā Moninger thalassiarchō, cūius praetōria et āeroplānigera nāvis, Geraldus Ford nōmine, est omnium longārum nāvium maxima. Adsunt etiam secundus exercitus classicōrum, Calvertō Worth imperātōre, cūius nāvis praetōria et helicopterigera appellātur Īwō Jīma; necnōn aliae longae nāvēs missilibus refertae atque etiam nāvēs subaquāneae. Tot et tantīs copiīs convocātīs, quoniam Venetiolānus tyrannus illēgitimus illēgitimō commerciō venēnī lucrātur quō cīvēs Americānī necantur, iūs gentium longē vehementius violārī potest. Magistrātūs Americānī quingentiēns centēna mīlia nummōrum prōmittunt eī, quīcumque Nīcolāum Madūrō tyrannum Venetiolānōrum in dīciōnem reddiderit Americānam. Starmer nōn labefactus Keir Starmer, minister prīmārius Britannōrum quī favōre populī vix fruitur, nēgāvit sē rūmōribus labefactum esse, neque sē in suōs ministrōs neque illōs in sē coniūrāre. Rēspūblica solitō mōre administrātur Senātōrēs factiōnis sinistrae sīve Dēmocraticae, quī quadrāginta diēs recūsāverant nē pecūniam magistrātibus ērogārent ad rempūblicam gerendam, cum nihil quod sperāverant efficere posse vidērentur, manūs tandem dedērunt. Itaque satis pecūniae ērogātur ut magistrātūs rempūblicam diēs gerant septuāginta. Quod comitia populāria ad senātōrēs ēligendōs annō proximō habēbuntur, fierī vix posse vidētur quōminus tālēs rixae iterum iterumque incommoda dītiōribus commeātū āeriō interdictīs et prōlētāriīs congiāriō prīvātīs miseriās afferant. al-Sharā in Americā Ahmed al-Sharā, quī ōlim al-Jolānī vocitābātur, praeses Sȳrōrum, Vasintōniam urbem vīsitāvit diē Lūnae, ubi cum praeside Americānō collocūtus est dē lēge Caesariānā abrogandā. Nam illa lex, quae commercium inter Americānōs et Bashar Assad tyrannum Sȳrōrum interdīxerat, eōdem tyrannō in exilium expulsō nunc obstat, nē post bellum cīvīle Sȳrōrum rēs renoventur. Terror in Indiā Pakistaniāque In capitibus tam Indiae quam Pakistaniae gemina pyrobola dīrupta sunt, quibus ad vigintī hominēs sunt interfectī. Pax tamen, quam mēnse Māiō praeses Americānus utrīque gentī suāsit, manet, dum quaestiō in auctōrēs terrōris habētur. Ūcrāīnēnsēs pecūniā corruptī Cum quaestiō dē pecūlātiōne corruptiōneque in Ūcrāīnā habērētur, ministrī tam iūstitiae quam energīae præfectī honōribus officiīsque sē abdīcāvērunt, ut quī coniūrātī referrentur in pecūlātiōnem. Timur Mindich, amīcus praesidis Ūcrāīnēnsium, quī fōns et princeps coniūrātiōnis esse putātur, fūgit. Mīliēns centēna mīlia nummōrum sublāta esse feruntur. Comitia in Chiliā habenda Diē Sōlis Chiliēnsēs populāria suffrāgia ferent. Doctī hominēs quī populārem ōpīniōnem metiuntur referunt scelera, mīgrātiōnem, gregēs coniūrātōrum latrōnum animōs cīvium magis occupāre quam rem oeconomicam, salūtem pūblicam, īnstitūtiōnem puerōrum. Quamquam Chilēnsēs inter tūtissimās gentēs merīdiōnālis Americae manent, numerus tamen hominum ā percussōribus occīsōrum inter decennium est bis auctus. Quod nōn sēiungitur ab auctō numerō Venetiolānōrum, quī in Chiliēnsium fīnēs ingressī sunt, unde fit ut Chilēnsēs nōmen “Trāminis Arāguae” audīre coeperint. Sinēnsēs Iāpōnēs reprobant Sanaē Takaīchī coram senātū Iāpōnum dīxit sibi necesse vidērī respondēre, sī Formōsa īnsula, quae suī iūris est, ā Sinēnsibus oppugnārētur. Quod Sīnēnsibus, utpote quī Formōsam īnsulam, quae suī iūris est, in suā dīciōne esse falsē dīcerent, offēnsiōnem praebuit. Negāvit autem Takaīchī ab oppositō senātōre diē Lūnae rogāta sē posse nunc negāre Iāpōnēs arma atomica invēntūrōs, factūrōs, habitūrōs. Sola enim est terra Iāpōnica, in quam arma atomica adhibita erant, unde diū negābātur nē Iāpōnēs arma atomica possidērent.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TYT and use code TYT and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Trump reportedly met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and a “former” Al Qaeda leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as he vows to bring “peace to Gaza.” A bombshell report reveals an Israeli spy stayed for weeks at Jeffrey Epstein's mansion. Hosts: Ana Kasparian SUBSCRIBE on⁠ YOUTUBE⁠ ☞ ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@TheYoungTurks⁠ FOLLOW US ON: ⁠FACEBOOK⁠  ☞  ⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theyoungturks⁠ ⁠TWITTER⁠  ☞      ⁠ https://twitter.com/TheYoungTurks⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠  ☞ ⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theyoungturks⁠ ⁠TIKTOK⁠  ☞ ⁠         https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungturks⁠

The Syrian government under Bashar Al-Assad was so successfully demonized by Western imperialist media and governments that many celebrated when Assad was overthrown last December, even though the new puppet government was led by the extremist Al Nusra Front, an Al Qaeda terrorist group. Now, Syria is balkanized and the government is implementing forced displacement and ethnic cleansing. Clearing the FOG speaks with Dan Kovalik, co-author with Jeremy Kuzmarov of "Syria: Anatomy of Regime Change," about the long history of US interference in Syria, dating back to the 1946 coup, how the recent coup appeared to happen so rapidly and the current situation in Syria, as well as the impact of these events on the region. For more information, visit PopularResistance.org.

Na de val van Assad wilde schrijver en hoogleraar Ahmad al Hosain terug naar Syrië, ook al bleef zijn gezin in Nederland. Deze zomer zag zijn dochter (18) hoe het voor hem is weer daar te zijn.Gast: Lize GeurtsStem & montage: Jan Paul de BondtRedactie: Rogier van 't HekCoördinatie: Belle BraakhekkeHeb je vragen, suggesties of ideeën over onze journalistiek? Mail dan naar onze redactie via podcast@nrc.nlZie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

En 2011, el pueblo sirio se alzó contra el régimen de Bashar al-Assad. Fue el inicio de una mortífera guerra civil. En todo el país, miles de hombres, mujeres y niños fueron arrestados arbitrariamente. A lo largo de los 13 años de conflicto, la violación y la violencia sexual se utilizaron sistemáticamente como armas de guerra, sin importar la edad ni el género. Este documental cuenta las historias de tres mujeres que, a pesar del dolor, accedieron a relatar sus vivencias a France 24.

In 2011, the Syrian people rose up against Bashar al-Assad's regime. It was the start of a deadly civil war. Across the country, thousands of men, women and children were arbitrarily arrested. Throughout the 13 years of conflict, rape and sexual violence were systematically used as weapons of war, regardless of age or gender. In this powerful documentary, Asma, Yasmine and Houda chose to share their stories with FRANCE 24 journalists Dana Alboz and Assiya Hamza, who travelled to Turkey and Syria to meet these "survivors".

Over a few brutal days in March, as sectarian violence and revenge killings tore through parts of Syria, two friends from different communities tried to find a way to survive By Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. Read by Mo Ayoub. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

As Syria turns the page after Bashar al-Assad's fall, the transitional government promises justice, truth, and rule of law. In his first interview since taking office, Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais tells Talk to Al Jazeera how his ministry preserved the regime's court archives from destruction and plans to prosecute crimes from the war years. But critics say the process is too narrow, focused only on Assad-era abuses, while violence and sectarian reprisals create new victims still awaiting accountability. Can post-war Syria deliver real justice?

Some 1,200 people have been killed in Syria and many others injured by landmines or improvised explosive devices since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad almost a year ago. Now the NGO Handicap International is trying to prevent more deaths, and help those already injured. We spoke to Noor Bimbashi, Senior Advocacy and Policy Officer for the NGO. She has just returned from three weeks in Syria. She told us in Perspective that the people of Syria are one of the most hopeful she's ever met.

A huge search is underway for the killer of the influential conservative US activist and ally of President Trump, Charlie Kirk. We hear from our correspondent at the university campus in Utah where the shooting happened. Also: Britain's prime minister has sacked the UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over his ties to the late convicted paedophile, Jeffery Epstein; a BBC investigation has revealed the scale of an international charity's involvement in the systematic disappearance of children during former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, and the dark DNA that could explain the extraordinary dancing peacock spider.

On December 8, 2024, Bashar Al-Assad fled Syria, bringing an end to the 13-year civil war that had devastated the country. Syrians who had endured years of conflict and deprivation, took to the streets in celebration. They were suddenly able to imagine a new future for their country. Assad's fall caught the international community by surprise, and policymakers in the region, in Europe, and in the United States were forced to adjust their policies, opening lines of communication to Syria's new leader, Ahmad Al-Shaara. Over the last six months, one issue has dominated the debate over Syria policy—lifting the Syria sanctions.Karam Shaar is the founder of Karam Shaar Advisory, a consulting company. He currently serves as the Chief Economic Consultant to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Syria and a Senior Consultant at the World Bank. He is also a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the New Lines Institute.The Sanctions Age is hosted by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj. The show is produced by Spiritland Productions.To receive an email when new episodes are released, access episode transcripts, and read Esfandyar's notes on each episode, sign-up for the The Sanctions Age newsletter on Substack: https://www.thesanctionsage.com/

Jewish Policy Center Senior Director Shoshana Bryen hosted Professor Mark Meirowitz, a foreign policy and Turkey expert from SUNY Maritime College, for a deep dive into Ankara's growing regional role, its involvement in Syria's evolution, and its increasingly fraught relationship with Israel. With characteristic clarity and urgency, Prof. Meirowitz broke down the labyrinth of regional alliances and rivalries, calling the situation “literally mind-boggling” and comparing Syria to a “petri dish for chaos.” HTS, Al-Shara, and the Shake-up in Syria The ousting of Bashar Assad by the jihadist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Ahmed al-Shara (also known as al-Jolani), marks a significant shift in Syria's power structure—and possibly the region's. Once associated with al-Qaeda and ISIS, al-Jolani now wears suits and promotes a veneer of moderation. “Maybe the Turks provided him with some of these outfits,” Meirowitz quipped, questioning the authenticity of his transformation. Al-Jolani was “boosted by” Turkish support, Meirowitz explained, calling him a Turkish client rather than an independent actor. HTS's limited control—bolstered by foreign fighters like Uyghurs—has led to violent, sectarian repression, particularly against Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Kurds. “We're with al-Shara, and a lot of people are depending on him,” Meirowitz said ominously. Turkey's Interests: Stabilizing Syria to Serve Domestic Needs Turkey's involvement, Meirowitz stressed, is strategic. With over 3 million Syrian refugees inside its borders, Ankara is pressuring Damascus to stabilize and repatriate them. “The Turks want them back to Syria,” he said, noting the domestic strain and political sensitivity of the refugee crisis. Turkey has walked a fine line—signing infrastructure and defense agreements with HTS-controlled Syria while avoiding giving it full military autonomy. “Turkey's position is that Al-Shara is the go-to person… Let al-Shara unify the country,” Meirowitz explained. But internal Kurdish dynamics—particularly involving PKK, now in peace talks with Erdogan's government—make full alignment with HTS and Syrian Kurds tenuous. Will Turkey's NATO Membership Complicate It All? One of the more sobering insights from Meirowitz was the hypothetical scenario of Turkey, a NATO power, declaring a no-fly zone over Syria—potentially triggering Article 5 protections if hostilities break out with Israel. “That, to me, is the number one worry… that Israel and Turkey would come to conflict,” he warned. He emphasized the ongoing “deconfliction meetings” between Israel and Turkey, and Israel and Syria—possibly triangulating with al-Jolani himself. But of all the moving parts, Meirowitz emphasized Turkey's NATO status remains a critical leverage point: “Let's be realistic here. If there was a skirmish…Article 5 could be on the table.” Humanitarian Crises and Jihadi Control: Who is Really Running Syria? The ongoing massacres of minorities, particularly the Druze in Suweida, raise urgent questions about al-Jolani's power. “Has he lost control over the jihadis in his own ranks?” Meirowitz pondered, highlighting the grim possibility of Syria spiraling toward becoming a full-blown jihadi state. “The optics are totally opposed to [the idea of moderation],” he said, noting public executions and forced beard-shaving of Druze men as disturbing parallels to Nazi visual propaganda. “Clearly, this is reprehensible. The United States isn’t going to stand for it,” he added, referring to conditional American Congressional support for lifting sanctions on Syria.  Erdogan's Domestic Calculations: Kurds, Elections, and Power Turning inward, Turkey's President Erdoğan is eyeing another term in 2028. Despite constitutional term limits, he may seek early elections or amendments—with the support of Kurdish parliamentarians. “He’s very popular in Turkey,” Meirowitz said, crediting Erdoğan's projection of Turkey as a global power broker. “Turkey's been made into a player on the world stage.” However, he noted Turkey's lira is down, inflation is high, and economic growth is tenuous beneath the surface. This tension is compounded by Erdoğan's crackdown on political opponents, including jailing rivals and invalidating degrees to prevent candidacies. The Bigger Stage: Turkey in Africa, NATO, and the UN Turkey's ambitions extend far beyond Syria. From military expansion in Africa to attempting alignment with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Ankara aims to diversify its global relevance. “They see themselves as undervalued,” noted Meirowitz. “It's not aggrandizement—it's coming from a feeling of being ignored.” Erdogan's call that “the world is bigger than five” is a veiled critique of the UN Security Council's permanent members—hinting at Turkey's desire for global restructuring that reflects its new stature. “They're trying to flex their muscles,” as one webinar participant insightfully noted.  Israel, Hamas, and the Limits of Pragmatism Meirowitz criticized Turkey's staunch support for Hamas and Hezbollah, calling it “a rabbit hole of disaster.” While support for Palestinian causes earns Erdogan domestic points, it's constraining Turkey's global relationships. “If everybody's a freedom fighter, that doesn't fly,” he said. At times, Israel and Turkey have found pragmatic partnership—like continued trade and oil transits during Syria's civil war—but the anti-Israel posture, sanctions, and rhetoric place those gains at risk. “We need to get together,” Meirowitz relayed from a Turkish businessman. “We like the same things… same food… same values.” Final Thoughts: Cautious Optimism, But Beware the Fault Lines In his closing remarks, Prof. Meirowitz struck a “guarded optimism” tone for Turkey's trajectory. “I believe Turkish leadership is going to give further thought to these directions,” he said, hoping Ankara will reconsider its Hamas alliance for more fruitful cooperation with Israel and the West. Bryen offered sober context: “Israel and Iran were friends once, too—until they weren't.” As Prof. Meirowitz put it, “Hamas is not a future for Turkey.” As the region’s political tectonics keep shifting, one question looms: Will Turkey's pragmatism prevail over ideology—or will ambition lead it down a path of strategic overreach? The answer, as Bryen put it, remains a moving thread.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 51-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 24,468 on turnover of 6.5-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Wednesday, as artificial intelligence-related stocks were in focus ahead of the release of Nvidia's quarterly earnings report. Analysts says investors are upbeat about A-I development and that resulted in them picking up AI-related stocks, led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Olympic gold medalist pledges to boost Taiwan sports as new minister Two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist Lee Yang says he will do his utmost to "make Taiwanese sports stronger." The statement comes after it was announced that Lee will head the newly-upgraded Ministry of Sports. The ministry is slated to be officially established next month. According to Lee, accepting the new position means a lot and also comes with greater responsibility. Lee announced his retirement from professional badminton in December of last year. The government has said the Ministry of Sports will be responsible for the development of the sports industry and the promotion of competitive and recreational sports (休閒運動). First French Polynesian delegation in 40 years visits Taiwan And, A delegation of French Polynesian politicians (政治人物) is making its first visit to Taiwan in nearly 40 years. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the seven-member delegation is visiting Taiwan until Saturday. The delegation will visit several government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, Council of Indigenous Peoples and Ministry of Agriculture. The group will also visit the Ita Thao tribe at Sun Moon Lake in Nantou and travel to the Ocean Affairs Council in Kaohsiung. Trump to chair meeting on post-war Gaza: Witkoff US President Donald Trump is expected to chair a meeting today focused on a post-war Gaza plan - that's according to special envoy Steve Witkoff. It comes as Israel intensifies a land offensive around Gaza City and images of starving children continue to emerge (出現，露出). Toni Waterman has more. Israel Drone Strikes in Syria Leave 8 Soldiers Wounded Israeli drone strikes on a southern suburb of Damascus have killed eight soldiers and wounded others. Syria's Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law and a breach of sovereignty. The Israeli military has not commented on the strikes. Since the fall of Bashar Assad, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria. Israel's defense minister says the country's forces will remain indefinitely (無限期) in a security zone to protect settlements. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the strikes hit a point linking Damascus with the southern province of Sweida. Mexico Suspends Postal Service to US Mexico says its postal service is suspending package shipments to the United States, following similar steps taken by countries from the European Union and elsewhere. The announcement on Wednesday comes ahead of the Trump administration's end to an exemption to tariffs on low-value packages this week. Mexico's postal service will temporarily halt deliveries as officials seek clarity on the new rules. The exemption allowed packages worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. Mexico is in talks with U.S. authorities to resume (恢復) services. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

LIKE Y SUSCRÍBETE AL CANAL

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports a French court is to decide if former Syria leader Bashar Assad can be tried for a chemical attack.

It has been more than six months since Syrian dictator Bashar Al Assad was overthrown, ending a bloody civil war and his family's 54-year rule over the Arab nation.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 75-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,063 on turnover of 5.3-billion N-T. The market came under heavy pressure on Tuesday - tumbling more than 350-points - amid increasing investors concerns over U-S tariff threats. Analyst says many investors are now turning downbeat about the ongoing tariff talks with the U-S - as the negotiations have yet to yield any conclusions. Competing rallies planned ahead of recall votes The D-P-P and the K-M-T are set to hold competing rallies on Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei later this week as they make a final push ahead of Saturday's batch of recall votes targeting 24 K-M-T lawmakers. The D-P-P will be holding a rally there on Thursday. And according to the "Oppose CCP, Safeguard Taiwan Alliance," a livestreamed (直播) rally will also be held on Friday night on Jinan Road. Meanwhile, the K-M-T is set to hold a rally on Friday night on Ketagalan Boulevard. Traffic restrictions will be in place in the area on both days. 12 imported cases of dengue fever reported last week The Centers for Disease Control is reporting 12 new imported dengue fever cases. According to the C-D-C, the cases were recorded from July 15 through 21 and it's the highest single-weekly total this year. The C-D-C's Epidemic Intelligence Center says the cases came Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. A total of 109 confirmed imported cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been reported here in Taiwan so far this year and 91.7-per cent of them have come from Southeast Asia. Indonesia accounted for (佔) the most with 45 cases. US agrees trade & security deal with Philippines The US and the Philippines have agreed a trade deal that will see goods (商品) from the Southeast Asian country face a 19% tariff. US President Donald Trump announced the news following a visit from the nation's President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Syria Finds Thousand Deaths in Sectarian Violence A Syrian government investigation says more than 1,400 people died in sectarian (宗派的) violence along the coast earlier this year. The clashes began in March after armed groups loyal to former President Bashar Assad attacked security forces of the new government. Retaliation led to widespread violence against civilians, with sectarian motives largely driven by revenge. Meanwhile, recent violence in Sweida province has displaced over 128-thousand people. The Syrian Red Crescent reports dire (嚴重的；危急的) conditions with shortages of supplies and damaged infrastructure. Aid deliveries have started, but concerns remain about the long-term displacement. British Wreck Found on Scottish Beach Archaeologists have identified a 250-year-old shipwreck uncovered on a remote Scottish beach. The 18th-century naval warship and whaling vessel called the Earl of Chatham was revealed (露出) in February 2024 after a storm swept away sand. Local farmers and researchers worked together to recover the ship's 12 tons of oak timbers. Experts traced the ship's history using tree-ring dating (樹木年輪學) and historical records. It was originally named HMS Hind and it served in the American War of Independence before becoming a whaling ship. It was wrecked off Sanday in 1788. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Today, we have an update on one of our most popular Sporkful episodes ever, about a beloved sandwich shop in Aleppo, Syria, and an exiled aid worker named Shadi Martini. When the brutal regime of Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad fell last December, we got back in touch with Shadi. Earlier this year, after 12 years in exile, he returned to Aleppo, and visited his favorite sandwich shop. He tells us about the whole experience in this week's update.The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. Publishing by Shantel Holder.Transcript available at www.sporkful.com.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app.

South of the Syrian capital Damascus, Yarmouk refugee camp was the scene of violent clashes between Bashar al-Assad's regime and rebel militias, and later the Islamic State group, during the almost 14-year-long Syrian war. Ahmed and Jihane Tameem were among those who fled the bombs at the end of 2012. Three years later, they left Syria and found refuge in Sweden with their two children. Now, after the fall of Assad, they have returned home to reunite with their loved ones. FRANCE 24's Claire Billet and Olivier Jobard report.

Back in 2017, we aired one of our most popular Sporkful episodes ever, about a beloved sandwich shop in Aleppo, Syria. At that time, Syria was reeling from years of civil war, and the country's leader, Bashar Al-Assad, had been brutally targeting his own citizens. Aleppo was especially hard hit. We heard about that sandwich shop and set out to find out what made it special, and whether it was even still there. At the end of last year, when rebel fighters toppled the Assad regime, we heard from so many of you asking for updates. Well, big news — we have a brand new update to share with you. We'll have that for you next week, but ahead of that, we're resharing this two part story. We'll share Part 2 this Friday, then the new update next Monday. Here in Part 1 we'll take you from Aleppo to Austria, from Detroit to New York to Istanbul, all in search of a sandwich.This episode originally aired on November 6, 2017, and was produced by Anne Saini and Dan Pashman. It was edited by Dan Charles, and engineered by Casey Holford. Additional production and editing help from Peter Clowney, Dalia Mortada, Eva Deutsch, Sruthi Pinnamaneni, Zak Rosen, and Dustin Consentino. Special thanks to Adam Davidson and Jen Banbury. The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. Publishing by Shantel Holder.Transcript available at www.sporkful.com.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app.

Our correspondent goes back to Syria six months after the ouster of dictator Bashar Al-Assad to see the country's growing pains in its new era.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Donald Trump cumplió la promesa que le hizo en mayo al presidente interino de Siria, Ahmed al-Sharaa: a través de un decreto levantó la mayor parte de las sanciones al país. Aún se mantendrán otras que dependen directamente del Congreso estadounidense. Es la primera acción de este tipo en más de 20 años y un gesto que, según Washington, busca dar una oportunidad a la estabilidad en el país.

One of the most difficult tests in life is when a person achieves something through effort, wisdom, and strength—and is then told not to attribute the success to himself, but to Hashem. Most people feel proud of their accomplishments, their clever strategies, or their brilliant ideas. But the pasuk reminds us כִּי הוּא הַנֹּתֵן לְךָ כֹּחַ לַעֲשׂוֹת חָיִל , and the Targum explains, that even our ideas—every single thought that passes through our minds—are gifts from Hashem. It's natural to feel proud after a major achievement, but it is up to each of us to pause and recognize that it was all from Hashem. So often, we fail to see the broader picture—how Hashem orchestrated every detail in advance, setting the stage for us to succeed in a way that appears seamless and "strategic." Recently, the world has witnessed Israel's remarkable military achievements, particularly in the face of Iranian threats. From eliminating key leaders and scientists to achieving aerial dominance, the successes have been astonishing. Add to that America's undetected, precision strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, and one could easily fall into the trap of thinking it's all the result of human intelligence and power. But here, too, we must remember: " לא בחיל ולא בכח כי אם ברוחי אמר ה׳ " —victory does not come through strength or power, but through the spirit of Hashem. All wars are fought and won by Hashem— and only by Hashem . For decades, Israel has known about Iran's nuclear ambitions, yet was unable to act, as Iran lies over a thousand miles away. The logistics of such an operation seemed impossible. Israeli fighter jets could not pass through Jordan, Syria, or Iraq without being shot down. The southern route through Saudi Arabia was blocked, and the northern route through Turkey was a non-starter. But then Hashem changed everything. In December 2024, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown, ending his family's 50-year regime. Hashem opened the Syrian skies. Jordan didn't just permit the use of its airspace—it actively helped shoot down Iranian missiles during the April attack, when Iran launched 300 ballistic missiles toward Israel. Iraq no longer has the capabilities to shoot down planes. Every obstacle was removed—by Hashem. Iran had feared this moment. For years, they armed Hezbollah and Hamas so that if Israel ever struck, they could retaliate from multiple fronts. But over the past year, Hashem gave Israel the strength and intelligence to neutralize the missile capabilities of both Hezbollah and Hamas. And when the moment came to strike Iran, there was no one left to respond. We should be proud of Israel's accomplishments—with the clear understanding that they are Hashem's accomplishments . America's support? Also orchestrated by Hashem, as it says: " לב מלכים ביד ה׳ " —the hearts of kings and leaders are in the hands of Hashem. Hashem can eliminate our enemies without a single soldier taking action. We saw this just a year ago, when the president of Iran and other officials were killed in a helicopter crash—without any military involvement. We saw it when a Turkish legislator who was publicly condemning Israel suddenly collapsed and died of a heart attack. " ה׳ איש מלחמה " —Hashem is a Man of War. He fights—and wins—our battles. The current operation has been referred to as " כִּלְבִיא יָקוּם " , and the Chatam Sofer once explained the word כִּלְבִיא spells out the passuk : כִּ י לֹ א בְ כֹחַ יִ גְבַּר אִ ישׁ - it is not by human strength that wars are won, but through Hashem alone. May Hashem continue to protect His people and bring the final geulah with Mashiach speedily in our days. Amen.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad last December did not erase the deep-rooted prejudices within Syrian society. Identity and political divisions remain vivid, and since January, sectarian clashes have been increasing. In a country as fragmented as Syria, old grudges are simmering, with many taking justice into their own hands – driven by a thirst for revenge against those they view as traitors or internal enemies. Amid this escalating violence, the authorities insist they are committed to holding those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, civil society is doing what it can to keep hope alive by calling for dialogue and pushing for national unity. Our correspondent in Syria, Jenna Le Bras, reports.

PREVIEW: Key Details of the Rocket Attacks When: Two rockets were fired from Syria into Israel on June 3, 2025, marking the first such attack since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024 The Times of IsraelFDD. Target: The rockets were fired at the Golan Heights, landing in open areas near the community of Ramat Magshimim with no injuries reported Rockets fired from Syria for first time in a year; Israel holds Sharaa responsible | The Times of Israel. Two Terror Groups Responsible Ahmad Sharawi's FDD analysis identifies two distinct groups that claimed responsibility: 1. Mohammed Deif Brigades This group was reportedly founded on May 30, 2025, according to its Telegram channel and is named after the slain Hamas military chief Mohammad Deif, who was killed in July 2024 Syria Archives. The group first surfaced on social media just a few days before the attack Israel says rockets fired from Syria for the first time since Bashar Assad's fall - The Washington Post, with Syrian researcher Ahmed Aba Zeid noting "Until now, it's just a Telegram channel. It's not known if it is a real group" Israel says rockets fired from Syria for the first time since Bashar Assad's fall - The Washington Post. 2. Islamic Resistance Front in Syria - Awli al-Bas This is a militant faction that claims affiliation with Iran's so-called Axis of Resistance and has claimed multiple attacks against Israeli forces operating inside Syrian territory since December 2024 Syria Archives. Its logo mimics the emblem of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)—a raised arm holding an AK-47—indicating alignment with Iran-linked "resistance" groups From Al-Qaeda Commander to Syrian President: Ahmad Al-Sharaa's Ascent. Israeli Response and Syrian Accountability Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Syria's interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa was "directly responsible for every threat and [rocket] fire toward the State of Israel" Rockets fired from Syria for first time in a year; Israel holds Sharaa responsible | The Times of Israel. Israel responded with artillery fire on the source of the rockets and carried out a series of airstrikes throughout southern Syria targeting weapons belonging to the regime Rockets fired from Syria for first time in a year; Israel holds Sharaa responsible | The Times of Israel. Analysis from Ahmad Sharawi Sharawi noted this represents "another testament to Ahmad al-Sharaa's failure to fully control all armed groups and ensure that Syrian territory will not be used as a launching point for attacks against Israel" Sharaa ‘Responsible for Every Threat': Terrorists in Syria Launch Rockets Into Israel. He emphasized that while Sharaa may not yet have full control over all armed actors, Washington should make clear that further cooperation on sanctions relief hinges on Sharaa quietly and fully cooperating with Israel to neutralize any Palestinian factions capable of launching attacks from Syrian soil Rocket Attacks on Israel Underscore Continuing Threat from Syria. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in post-Assad Syria and the difficulty the new Syrian leadership faces in controlling various militant groups operating within its territory.

At 18, Mustafa was told his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could get him killed By Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. Read by Mo Ayoub. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

With hundreds dead after days of fighting between armed supporters of former leader Bashar al-Assad and government forces, the worst violence since al-Assad's fall, Syrians are grappling with how to move forward. Days ahead of the 14th anniversary of Syria's uprising, the country faces an uncertain path forward. In this episode: Osama Bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich and our guest host, Manuel Rápalo. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editor is Hisham Abu Salah. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The United States and European Union are acting surprised that the Syrian regime has allowed killing people in Syria. Even though the people who run Syria after the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad are Al Qaeda terrorists known to the State Department as such. 

Syria has a new leader, and for thousands it is a time of celebration and optimism. But old enmities and fears about what comes next haunt the country. Michael Safi reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Once an al-Qaeda-affiliated fighter, Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa now governs a nation in flux. He claims to be focused on stability, dissolving rebel groups and rebuilding institutions. His visit to Saudi Arabia signals shifting alliances and efforts to ease sanctions. But can he truly redefine Syria’s future – and what will it mean for the region? In this episode: Osama bin Javaid (@osamabinjavaid), Al Jazeera English, correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Khaled Soltan and Tamara Khandaker, with Sarí el-Khalili, Hagir Saleh, Melanie Marich, Hanah Shokeir, and our host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The media attacks Tulsi Gabbard, accusing her of meeting with Hassan Nassrallah and attacking her for meeting with Bashar Al Assad. They conveniently ignore the fact that John Kerry also met with him. Plus, Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz claims RFK will bring back the Tuskegee experiments. Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

PREVIEW - TURKIYE: SYRIA Colleague Gregory Copley reports that Turkiye is exploring negotiations with Moscow regarding the potential handover of Bashar al-Assad to face war crimes charges. More tonight. 1885 Damascus

Assad fled, rebels took over, and Syria changed overnight. Intelligence analyst Ryan McBeth maps out who won, who lost, and what's next on Out of the Loop! Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them. On This Episode of Out of the Loop: After over a decade of civil war, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow when his regime collapsed following a rapid 10-day offensive at the end of 2024. The collapse was accelerated by Hezbollah withdrawing forces to fight Israel, leaving Assad's already weak army severely undermanned. The new controlling force in Syria is HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), led by Hamed al-Golani. While HTS was formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, they have since distanced themselves and are showing potentially moderate tendencies, focusing on restoring basic services rather than implementing strict religious law. Turkey emerged as a major winner in this scenario, having strategically supported various rebel groups that helped bring down Assad's regime. Meanwhile, Russia and Iran are significant losers - Russia lost important Mediterranean naval access, and Iran lost a crucial supply route to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Syrian civil war involved over 70 different factions, but they could be broadly categorized into three main anti-Assad groups: Islamist groups (like HTS), Kurdish groups (supported by the US), and moderate opposition groups. This complex web of alliances and conflicts made the situation particularly difficult to resolve. Despite the country's painful history, Syria has immense potential for rebuilding and renewal. The country was historically known for its rich culture, welcoming people, incredible food, and archaeological treasures. The current focus on restoring basic services and apparent willingness of different factions to cooperate suggests that with proper support and governance, Syria could begin healing and rebuilding its vibrant society. Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know! Connect with Ryan McBeth at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and on YouTube. If you'd like to stay on top of what's happening in the world, subscribe to Ryan's Substack! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1099

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:   First, deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has broken his silence from exile in Moscow, issuing his first public statement on the Islamist rebel uprising that toppled his family's dictatorship after 50 years ruling over Syria. Then, an update on the unidentified drones that have baffled officials across the tri-state region, as federal authorities announce plans to deploy a state-of-the-art radar detection system in New York to solve the mystery. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief  Patriot Gold: Call 1-888-870-5457 for a free investor guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Ukrainian intelligence sent about 20 experienced drone operators and about 150 first-person-view drones to the rebel headquarters in Idlib, Syria, four to five weeks ago to help Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading rebel group based there, the knowledgeable sources said. The aid from Kyiv played only a modest role in overthrowing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Western intelligence sources believe. But it was notable as part of a broader Ukrainian effort to strike covertly at Russian operations in the Middle East, Africa and inside Russia itself.”  –From the Washington Post In this week's bonus episode, we present a recording from our special Gaslit Nation political salon on Monday, where we honored Syria. This episode offers crucial insights on navigating the complex landscape of Syria's future, highlighting who to trust—and who to be wary of—when it comes to information about the country. We also delve into the disinformation campaigns surrounding Syria and how to prepare for the challenges ahead. Additionally, this week's bonus show features answers to questions from our Democracy Defender-level members and above on voting and homelessness as well as how to protect trans people. Thank you to our Democracy Defender level supporters who help shape the show!  For a good overview of why Assad's regime collapsed so quickly, read this great analysis by Charles Lister, a senior fellow and director of the Syria and Counterterrorism and Extremism programs at the Middle East Institute: https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/12/05/syria-assad-regime-collapsing-quickly/ For a look at how many “anti-imperialists” on the Left are pro-Assad, read this 2018 piece by Leila Al Shami, co-author of ‘Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War: https://www.madamasr.com/en/2018/04/15/opinion/u/the-anti-imperialism-of-idiots/ Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Show Notes: Syria clip: Clarissa Ward of CNN reports from liberted Syria https://x.com/cnnipr/status/1866471510678135162 An estimated 2.5 million people were forced from their homes in the United States by weather-related disasters in 2023, according to new data from the Census Bureau. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/climate/climate-disasters-survivors-displacement.html Voting and Homelessness  https://www.nonprofitvote.org/voting-and-homelessness/  When Britain and France Almost Merged Into One Country An extraordinary near-miss of history helps explain Brexit. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/08/dunkirk-brexit/536106/ People to Follow for Syria & Other World News:  Michael Weiss (Bluesky) Oz Katerji (Bluesky) Eliot Higgins (Bluesky) Fared Al Mahlool (Bluesky) Leila Al-Shami (Bluesky) Olga Lautman (Bluesky) Philip Obaji Jr. (Bluesky) Shashank Joshi (Bluesky)   Support Trans People Erin in the Morning (Substack) Protect the LGBTQ Community: An Interview with Chase Strangio of the ACLU https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2022/5/26/chase-strangio-interview Moral Panic: Fact-Checking the War on Trans Kids https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2024/9/10/moral-panic-fact-checking-the-war-on-trans-kids

The fall of Syria's regime is a blow to Iran. Iranian money and troops propped up former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. How much do the developments in Syria set back an adversary of Israel and the U.S.? Some American colleges have issued a warning to their international students. They're suggesting students should try to return before Inauguration Day, to avoid any trouble at the border. Also, who's flying drones over New Jersey?Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today's episode of Up First was edited by Didrik Schanche, Steven Drummond, Ally Schweitzer, HJ Mai and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Ben Abrams. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Power dynamics in the Middle East shifted dramatically this year. In Lebanon, Israel dealt a severe blow toHezbollah, and another crucial ally of Iran—Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria—was toppled by insurgents. But the historian Rashid Khalidi is skeptical that these changes will set back the Palestinian cause, as it relates to Israel. “This idea that the Palestinians are bereft of allies assumes that they had people who were doing things for their interest,” Khalidi tells David Remnick, “which I don't think was true.” The limited responses to the war in Gaza by Iran and Hezbollah, Khalidi believes, clearly demonstrate that Iran's so-called Axis of Resistance “was designed by Iran to protect the Iranian regime. . . . It wasn't designed to protect Palestine.” Khalidi, a professor emeritus at Columbia University, is the author of a number of books on Palestinian history; among them, “The Hundred Years' War on Palestine” has been particularly influential. The book helped bring the term “settler colonialism” into common parlance, at least on the left, to describe Israel's relationship to historic Palestine. Sometimes invoked as a term of opprobrium, “settler colonialism” is strongly disputed by supporters of Israel. Khalidi asserts that the description is historically specific and accurate. The early Zionists, he says, understood their effort as colonization. “That's not some antisemitic slur,” he says. “That's the description they gave themselves.”The concept of settler colonialism has been applied, on the political left, to describe Israel's founding, and to its settlement of the Palestinian-occupied territories. This usage has been disputed by supporters of Israel and by thinkers including Adam Kirsch, an editor at the Wall Street Journal, who has also written about philosophy for The New Yorker. “Settler colonialism is . . . a zero-sum way of looking at the conflict,” Kirsch tells David Remnick. “In the classic examples, it involves the destruction of one people by another and their replacement over a large territory, really a continent-wide territory. That's not at all the history of Israel and Palestine.” Kirsch made his case in a recent book, “On Settler Colonialism: Ideology, Violence, and Justice.”

Syrian rebel fighters have destroyed the tomb of late president Hafez al-Assad, father of ousted president Bashar, in the family's home town of Qardaha. Also: "Christmas lights" galaxy reveals how Universe formed.

Donald Trump sits down for his first big interview since winning the election and unveils his plans for mass deportations, pardons for January 6th rioters, and revenge against his political enemies. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy explains what they're watching for when his second term begins, the social media frenzy over the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and how the end of Syria's dictator Bashar Assad's regime could impact Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence. Oh, and just in time for the holidays, Trump is launching a new fragrance: Fight, Fight, Fight—the perfect gift for anyone who wants to smell like grievance and power!

In an Assad-free Syria, the population is elated, the rebels have expelled a tyrant, and the region has the breathing room to create a better environment for democratic rule. So why is the foreign policy establishment wringing its hands? And we're joined by two prime-time TV greats, The Office's Brian Baumgartner (he played Kevin Malone) and Ben Silverman (Executive Producer of the show) to talk about their new illustrated book: The Night Before Christmas” at Dunder Mifflin. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Sunday, Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) made its final march on the Syrian capital of Damascus. The rebels had already claimed the major cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs. In a matter of hours and with little violence, Syrian government forces abandoned their posts and HTS claimed victory. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country and has been granted asylum in Russia.After more than five decades, Syria is no longer under the rule of the Assad dynasty. And the region is transformed forever. But as people rejoice across Syria – what's left is immense uncertainty about the future of the country's government and its place in the region.We get to the latest and look to the future for both Syria and the Middle East.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: A historic day in the Middle East as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime falls to rebel forces, ending over 50 years of Assad-family rule. Governments worldwide react with a mix of hope and apprehension to this seismic shift. Ukrainian President Zelensky reveals the military death toll for Ukraine's forces in the Russian invasion, as the U.S. prepares another billion-dollar aid package for the embattled nation. And in today's Back of the Brief: the latest updates on the hunt for the man who killed United Healthcare's CEO in cold blood in New York City last week. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Blackout Coffee: https://www.blackoutcoffee.com/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's an EmMajority Report Thursday! She speaks with John Carl Baker, director of programs at Ploughshares, to discuss the ongoing political unrest in South Korea. Then, she speaks with Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics & adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University, to discuss the recent developments in Syria after rebel forces entered Aleppo. First, Emma runs through updates on the search for the UnitedHealthcare CEO's killer, SCOTUS' oral arguments on Tennessee's ban on trans care for minors, Memphis Police discrimination, Trump's elite-led cabinet, questions about Tulsi Gabbard's loyalties, Pete Hegseth's myriad embarrassments, Israel's genocide in Gaza, Trump's legal woes, and the future of Democratic leadership, before parsing a little deeper through yesterday's oral arguments for US v. Skrmetti in front of the Supreme Court, and the fear that they might uphold Tennessee's violently transphobic policy. John Carl Baker then joins, diving right into a step-by-step breakdown of how South Korean President Yoon's attempt (and failure) to declare and enforce martial law last Tuesday developed, beginning with his declaration and assembling of soldiers and police around the National Assembly, through the rampant protests to allow legislatures to enter the assembly to vote down Yoon's attempted coup, and to the overwhelming 190-0 (in an assembly of 300) veto of the President's martial law. After briefly touching on the limited vocal support for Yoon from among his conservative allies, Baker steps back to explore the history of South Korea's conservative ties to dictatorship, beginning with Japan's brutal 30-year occupation of Korea through the end of the Second World War – an occupation bolstered by cooperation and support from conservative, capitalist, and right-wing Koreans – and through the sequential regimes of Chon Doo-hwan and Park Chung-hee from the 1960s-80s, with Park Geun-hye (daughter of Chung-hee) even rising to the Presidency just a decade ago only to be impeached over her corrupt practices, also unpacking the continued prevalence of authoritarian strains within the South Korean right over the last century. He and Emma then look at the non-coup-related failures of Yoon's regime that created both his overwhelming unpopularity and the strong opposition he sought to undermine via coup, wrapping up the interview by unpacking the role of the US in backing Yoon's regime, and what the ideal future of US-Korean relations would look like to the Korean electorate. Professor Giorgio Cafiero then joins, first running through updates on the recent sweeping offensives by Syrian rebels, successfully taking both Aleppo and Hama from the Assad regime, before taking a sharp step back as he walks us through the evolution of the 13-year Civil War, beginning with the Arab spring and spurring the intervention of myriad regional and international actors, through the 2015 intensification of conflict at the hand of increased Russian support for Assad and Iranian-backed groups, and to the lull in tensions that started in 2020, only to break this past week. After parsing through the more specific history of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the deep and complex ties between the Syrian and Iranian regimes, Emma and Professor Cafiero tackle the prevalent role of external conflicts in how the impact of these Syrian Rebel conquests will unfold, with Iran's involvement in Hezbollah's conflict with Israel and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine giving two major parties conflicting interests. Cafiero expands on the precarious state of the Syrian state at this moment, looking both at what that means for a potential (however brief) lull in conflict and for the future of the Syrian government, before wrapping up with the ongoing role of Israeli relations in shaping Middle Eastern politics. And in the Fun Half: Emma is joined by Brandon Sutton and Matt Binder as they listen to Eddie from Fort Worth's Stetson Kennedy recommendations, talk with Gary from North Carolina about the divide between Trump voters and down-ballot GOP voters, and admire Jane Fonda's performance on Bill Maher. Meg from Seattle unpacks the harrowing and life-threatening impacts of repressive reproductive care, and Megyn Kelly aids in the attempted resuscitation of Pete Hegseth's potential career, plus, your calls and IM! Follow John on Twitter here: https://x.com/johncarlbaker Check out Ploughshares here: https://ploughshares.org/ Follow Giorgio on Twitter here: https://x.com/GiorgioCafiero Check out Gulf State Analytics here: https://gulfstateanalytics.com/ Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Join Sam on the Nation Magazine Cruise! 7 days in December 2024!!: https://nationcruise.com/mr/ Check out StrikeAid here!; https://strikeaid.com/ Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 20% off your purchase! Check out today's sponsors: Factor: Head to https://FactorMeals.com/50majority and use code 50majority to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. That's code 50majority at https://FactorMeals.com/50majority to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping while your subscription is active. Tushy:  Give the gift of practical luxury that benefits everyone in your household.  Go to https://HelloTushy.com/TMR now to grab your deal before it's gone!  Don't forget to give us a shout out while you're there and let them know we sent you. Blueland Cleaning Products: Blueland has a special offer for listeners. Right now, get 15% off your first order by going to https://blueland.com/majority. You won't want to miss this! https://blueland.com/majority for 15% off. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/