Thursday, December 12, 2024, 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM - Online
The Fall of Assad, the Future of Syria, and a Region Redrawn
by The Middle East Institute
A lightning offensive by Syrian rebel groups toppled the Assad regime in less than two weeks, marking the end of a decades-long brutal and oppressive dictatorship. Though many across the country welcome the departure of President Bashar al-Assad, there remains a strong sense of uncertainty about the future. While the leading faction within the victorious opposition forces, the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is moving quickly to consolidate power, outside actors are jockeying to influence the outcome and build relations with the embryonic new government or taking steps to degrade its potential to pose a security threat. To discuss where developments in Syria and the broader region are headed as well as how the incoming US administration may tackle the associated challenges and opportunities starting next year, the Middle East Institute will be hosting an expert panel discussion.
The panelists will explore the following questions and more: How were the rebel groups able to make such rapid battlefield gains amidst a perceived “stalemate” in the civil war? Can the international community still halt HTS’s consolidation of power or influence its approach to governance; or could its unilateral takeover of state institutions and policies trigger domestic opposition or even renewed internecine conflict? Will ISIS and other terrorist organizations exploit the present turmoil to regroup or make gains? How do these developments impact the surrounding region, including Turkey’s stance, Iraq’s and Lebanon’s stability, Russia’s military presence, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iranian-led Axis of Resistance? And finally, can the United States “stay out” of Syria; and if not, what leverage will it have to shape the fast-moving geostrategic developments?
Speakers:
Charles Lister, Senior Fellow and Director of Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism Programs, Middle East Institute
Paul Salem, Vice President for International Engagement, Middle East Institute
Wa'el Alzayat, CEO, Emgage Foundation; Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute
Nimrod Goren, Senior Fellow for Israeli Affairs, Middle East Institute
Gönül Tol, Director of Turkey Program, Middle East Institute
Brian Katulis (Moderator) Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy, Middle East Institute