About to go on BBC to discuss Syria

It would be a good idea not to take pointers on Syria from people who argued Assad was 'defending civilisation'

European, Arab, and all international political figures and parties that were clear in their opposition to Assad should use that capital now to engage with the authorities in Damascus, and help Syrians forge ahead. Not lead them, but help and assist.

Hello Bluesky. I'm new here, and probably doing this wrong, and frankly still spending a lot more time at the 'other place'. But I have been reliably informed this is a much better venue to discuss! Please forgive me as I try to get my bearings.

HTS will much to deal with; other armed groups; regime remnants; the Kurdish question; Syrians writ large; and the diaspora that will return is going to be an opportunity for HTS to either change for the better, or face yet more obstacles.

This is one of the points that many are missing as they voice their concerns about Syria's future. The potential of so much of the diaspora with regards to positive consequences on Syria is tremendous. Syrians won't be naive - but they will be resourceful in facing challenges.

"Fear and uncertainty in Golan Heights as Israeli troops drive deeper into Syria" - Peter Beaumont for the Guardian - includes my thoughts https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/11/golan-heights-israeli-troops-syria-assad

There are understandable reasons to be cautious about what happens in Syria. It is telling that a decade ago, the feeling would have been an untempered exhilaration, considering the record of the Assas regime. Today, while the exhilaration is there, there is also soberness. But:

“Just a few months ago all of us were operating under the assumption that this day would never come. Every time I say to myself the words the Assad regime has fallen, I still can’t really believe it.”

My piece for @theguardian.com on a momentous day.

“I think we should dare to hope,” says @drhahellyer.bsky.social on AJE