The Fall of Assad: Decoding the Syrian Crisis with Ben Norton

In depth with Daniel Dumbrill who lives in China, Ben Norton draws the geopolitical picture together.   It is long – an hour and forty minutes, but very good and is geopolitics 101 for the region, without the overt emotions that we here all really suffered from.  Take an evening with a cup of tea or coffee.

He said something toward the end that was shocking to realize in that moment.  He said there has been war in the West Asian region for his entire life.  And I realized, for my entire life as well. The first war (we were in Africa, there were wars) that I was conscious of, was discussions on israel over the dinner table, in the years after the 1976 war.  So, for entire lifetimes, there was war in the region.  Ben goes into the reasons for that.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ben Norton, the founder and editor-in-chief of Geopolitical Economy Report, as we delve into the complexities of the Syrian crisis, understanding its evolution, the players involved, and the repercussions that have shaped the region.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Historical Context:

We explore how the Syrian conflict evolved from its beginnings, involving key international actors like Russia, the US, and Turkey, and how it fits into broader geopolitical strategies, including the infamous list of seven countries to be destabilized post-9/11.

The Role of External Powers:

Norton explains the involvement of the US, Israel, and Turkey, highlighting motives ranging from countering Iranian influence to securing strategic geopolitical advantages. The discussion includes the controversial arming of so-called “moderate rebels” by the CIA and the paradoxical relationship between Israel and Al-Qaeda affiliates.

Economic and Humanitarian Impact:

The conversation sheds light on how economic sanctions have crippled Syria, leading to hyperinflation, poverty, and massive refugee crises. The strategic use of these sanctions as a weapon of war is critically examined.

Internal Dynamics:

We discuss the internal corruption, exacerbated by economic warfare, the military’s morale issues due to low pay, and the role of corruption in the government’s fall.

Current and Future Implications:

Norton provides insights into the current situation with HTS (formerly Al-Qaeda affiliate) taking control, what this means for Syrian citizens, and the potential future scenarios including continued instability or shifts in regional power dynamics.

Global Awakening:

The discussion touches on the broader geopolitical awakening, particularly among younger generations worldwide, due to conflicts like this and the actions of Western powers. Palestinian Resistance: We analyze how the fall of Assad could impact Palestinian resistance, given Syria’s role in the “axis of resistance” against Israeli occupation.

Refugee Crisis:

An essential part of the talk focuses on the massive refugee displacement caused by the war, affecting not just Syria but global politics, including the rise of far-right movements in Europe scapegoating migrants.