CC: Aaron Zelin – New Syrian Government, Same Old Conflicts?

This week on Conflicted, host Thomas Small is joined by returning
guest, Aaron Zelin - the Gloria and Ken Levy Fellow at the
Washington Institute for Near East Policy and founder of the
acclaimed website Jihadology. Following up on their last
conversation after the fall of the Assad regime, Aaron gives us an
in-depth analysis of the current state of play in Syria as the new
transitional government, led by Ahmad al-Shara, attempts to
consolidate its power. Since the last time we spoke, Aaron has been
on a trip to the new Syria, so he gives us a firsthand look at the
complex realities on the ground. Thomas and Aaron discuss the
narratives surrounding the new government, from claims of sectarian
massacres to narratives of a burgeoning economic revival. Aaron
explains how the violence in places like the coast and the
Druze-majority city of Swaida reveals a country still wracked by
internal tensions, where revenge, tribal dynamics, and foreign
meddling from actors like Iran and Israel continue to complicate
the path to stability. They also touch on the delicate dance
between the new government and Syria's minorities, including the
Kurds, and the implications of the ongoing sanctions waivers and
international investment flowing into the country. You can find
Aaron on X at @azelin and look for updates on his incredible
website https://jihadology.net/  To listen to the full
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