Why it matters: The discussion underscored the complexities of Syria’s future and the impact of various regional and international actors on its stability.
Driving the news:
• Tahrir al-Sham: Dr. Yasser Qazvini, an assistant professor at the University of Tehran, explained that Tahrir al-Sham, led by Julani, operates more like a gang than an ideological group.
• Kurds in Syria: Kurdish affairs expert Dr. Ardeshir Pashang highlighted the fragmented geography of the Kurds and noted their relatively stable situation despite regional concerns.
• Bashar al-Assad’s government: Alireza Majidi, a West Asia affairs expert, discussed both internal and external factors that led to the end of Bashar al-Assad's rule, including economic issues and foreign intervention.
• Israeli perspective: Dr. Javad Sharbaf head of the West Asia Studies Group examined Israel’s use of organized chaos to impose its desired order in the region, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu driving these efforts.
• Syrian opposition: Hazem Kallas head of the Al-Arabi Network office in Tehran spoke about the active organization of opposition forces in Idlib and their efforts to form a distinct military doctrine.
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