Main content

Syria: Assad's endgame

How is Assad's hold on power in Syria changing?

After eight gruelling years of war, the rebels in Syria seem to be making a last stand in the province of Idlib. The opposition stronghold in the northwest of the country has been under intense bombardment from government forces backed by Russia. Idlib is where many fighters from the defeated parts of the country were moved. It is also home to three-million civilians and the UN has warned of another refugee exodus and humanitarian catastrophe. Julian Worricker and a panel of expert guests examine the situation in Idlib and discuss how the Assad government has managed to consolidate power in the rest of the country. Why are Russia and Iran continuing back the Syrian government? Should Western countries accept reality and bring Syria into the fold? And - what does President Assad intend to do next?

Available now

53 minutes

Last on

Fri 14 Jun 2019 23:06GMT

Contributors

Ammar Waqqaf - Director of Gnosos, providing commentary on Syria and the Middle East

Dima Moussa - Vice president of National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces

Sam Dagher - Author of 'Assad or We Burn the Country: How One Family's Lust for Power Destroyed Syria

Nour Samaha - Visiting fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations

Also Featuring:

Dr Munzer Al Khalil - Director of the Idlib Province Health sector

Robert Ford - Former US ambassador to Syria

Photo

Civilians leave the area after airstrikes by the Assad Regime hit the de-escalation zone of Ariha in Idlib, Syria,听by听Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Broadcasts

  • Fri 14 Jun 2019 08:06GMT
  • Fri 14 Jun 2019 23:06GMT

The Real Story Podcast

Subscribe via your favourite podcast app...

Podcast