SYRIA | Still an Outlaw State?

Over the past 50 years, Syria has emerged as a pariah state on the world stage. As well as having been designated a state sponsor of terrorism, it has been under a brutal dictatorship. On top of this, its violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011 saw it widely condemned and suspended from the Arab League. However, things now seem to be changing. After a dozen years, many Arab states - including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates - are re-engaging with the country. And there have been calls for its suspension to be lifted. So, is Syria regaining international acceptance? And, if so, why?
Since becoming independent from France in 1946, the Syrian Arab Republic has had a turbulent history. Over the first quarter century of its existence, it was plagued by frequent military coups. However, all this ended in late 1970 when the Minister of Defence, Hafez al-Assad, staged a takeover, becoming president the following year. For the next three decades, he managed a highly repressive state that concentrated power in the small Alawite Muslim minority. In 2000, Assad died and control was passed to his son Bashar al-Assad. But hopes that he would be a reformer were short-lived. He continued his father's repressive policies. All this came to a head in 2011 when demonstrations erupted as part of the wider Arab Spring. This soon led to a civil war. But while Syria was heavily condemned for its brutal actions, opinion now seems to be changing.
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VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 Titles and Introduction
00:33 Syria as a Pariah State in International Relations
01:54 Syria: Location and Population
02:51 The Origins of Syria
03:42 Syrian Independence, Instability and Union with Egypt
04:54 The Rise of Hafez al-Assad
05:46 The Hafez al-Assad Regime in Syria, 1970-2000
07:11 The Rise of Bashar al-Assad
08:55 The Syrian Civil War
10:54 Growing Arab Engagement with Syria
11:58 Will Syria Regain International Acceptance?
SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
Syrian Foreign Ministry
mofaex.gov.sy
Syrian Arab News Agency
sana.sy/en/
Arab League
www.leagueofarabstates.net/Pag...
US State Department | Syria
www.state.gov/countries-areas...
The Syrian Crisis: What Everyone Needs to Know
amzn.to/3UZ4jMY
The Battle for Syria
amzn.to/3AlDQ2K
EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO
kit.co/JamesKerLindsay
DISCLAIMERS
- The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation.
- Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you.
#Syria #Conflict #PariahState #ArabLeague #Assad

[@JamesKerLindsay]

So, do you think that the Arab League will readmit Syria? And should it? And what should the EU and US do? As ever, I’ll look forward to your thoughts and comments below

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

It's long been time to accept the reality that Assad has brutalised his way into winning the war and staying in power. No country ever had the political will to actually stop him. However it will be impossible to bring many of the rebels to peace as there is no doubt Assads regime will enact reprisal killings.

[@muktarabdulle]

Readmitting Syria will benefit EU and US to counter Russia and Iran's influence in the region.

[@karlo7167]

US And EU should normalize relations with Assad because it will help civilians live in more stabilized country even if he is a dictator.

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

@@karlo7167 how would it help stabilise the country?

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Israel should relinquish the Golan Heights.

[@afgor1088]

"hard line foreign policy" Translation: foreign policy America disagrees with

[@veronicaa7748]

@@secretname4190 Non neocon funded translation : the american that is

[@jaw444]

@@veronicaa7748 please clarify. i thought this video was a strong pro-Western dominance propaganda message. i appreciate Dr Kerlindsay inviting discussion.

[@RostamBahadur]

As an Afghan, I'm happy to see Syria is getting better and Islamic countries are putting their enmities aside. 🇦🇫🤝🇸🇾

[@t3333beats]

He's evil at the start of the revolution his men kidnap loads of young men and killed them so they wouldn't fight I saw the photos of warehouses of dead body he's not a muslim don't be fooled

[@bubblegumgo]

i don't know what's better, dying far from the hands of a criminal or living under that criminal along with his cold blooded brother...

[@AbwibrahimO]

What are you talking about? as a Syrian we are angry on everyone who try to bring back the war criminal Assad from his political death!!!!!

[@pugnatorr]

@@AbwibrahimO most of syrians support assad

[@AsadAli-kk2ig]

​@@bubblegumgo Not your again! Go Away with your assumptions, take them somewhere else.

[@rayan0429]

most of his description for a pariah state perfectly describes America 😂

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Yea, yes. And a Russia. And China. As I said in another comment, there’s actually an interesting debate about whether they all can be pariah or rogue states. As they make the international system, can they sit outside it?

[@d7.x]

And Israeil.

[@neilnelson7603]

​@@JamesKerLindsay USA only works with the sphere of international system whenever its suits them. For example, they enforce ICC arrest warrants despite not being a signatory of the ICC. They also threaten the same ICC judges and call it a kangaroo court when US war crime charges are imposed on them. Such behaviour shows USA working outside the international laws many times.

[@marcocolo7151]

Very interesting video, as always. I think that Syria's suspension will eventually be lifted, with Saudi Arabia particularly pushing for it. For the next week I would be really interested in seeing a video about the recent developments in Sudan. Thank you Professor

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks, Marco. I’ve wanted to look at Sudan for a while. But I’ve found that when I do videos on topics that are getting a lot of international attention they do really badly. They sink below BBC, CNN, DW, Aljazeera, etc. A lot of work goes into them. It is sometimes better to hold off a little while. Also, it is a little unclear what exactly is happening on the ground. It would be highly speculative.

[@saint-miscreant]

​@@JamesKerLindsay while I'm also one of those people interested in hearing from you about Sudan, I agree that it's difficult to comment on a developing situation like that and I'm glad you're holding off in light of the lack of information! I prefer to get updates about the situation from the news, longer analysis videos can wait since the situation is so fresh and there's currently so much noise (and analysis will benefit from more info being available). I also consume a fair bit of true crime content and prefer to steer away from channels that get overly speculative and try to report on developing cases - it's ultimately a matter of being responsible when doing commentary

[@Rami-Jarrah]

@@JamesKerLindsay you could have just said you are not informed on the topic rather that misinform by saying its not clear what is happening on the ground. What is happening on the ground in Sudan is clear to everyone who has researched it, again just say you don’t know, as opposed to claiming everyone else doesn’t too just to save face..

[@tyronejoshua1613]

I was really hoping professor Ker-lindsay would make a video about the recent restoration of diplomatic Ties in the middle east. As always professor Ker-lindsay didn't disappoint.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much, Tyrone. It’s a really interesting development. Let’s see what happens. Where do you think it is heading?

[@dubsar]

Someone please bring back the scenes of Syrian children choking to death after a sarin gas attack orchestrated by the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

[@joerogue231]

​@@dubsar Lol those fake chemical attack 😂

[@dubsar]

@@joerogue231 Then people faked their deaths so well that they actually died?

[@joerogue231]

@@dubsar Assad didn't use those chemical weapons.

[@drpepperairlines1594]

As an Arab living amongst the borders of Syria. All I hope for is for Syria to return to what it was before. However I don’t think the regime has a point of return to the international community. Hopefully the future will become more peaceful, than what the surroundings are brewing for.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Hopefully peace can be reached.

[@williamdavis9562]

Peace will come, it will be a long and difficult road but it will come. Syria sadly became a playing field for great power proxy wars. World balances are shifting and the great powers (who are like the eye in Lord of the Rings) will put their gaze elsewhere. Once that happens the Syrians will have to figure out their next steps.

[@pugnatorr]

"international community" is just a name created by the US that pretends to sound like a global unit, but it's just countries that are under US doctrine and occupation.

[@sean87arnaout]

Same here too.

[@neilnelson7603]

Syria was already readmitted in the Arab league

[@rachetforsic4442]

Who must go?

[@kth6736]

Hilarious. 😂

[@mojewjewjew4420]

The west must go!

[@sethgreenberg1995]

Imagine seeing your former eye doctor become one of the most notorious dictators in the modern world

[@mojewjewjew4420]

He isnt a dictator and he isnt very notorious either,in fact not many have even heard of him or Syria,now Putin takes the spotlight.

[@ShubhamMishrabro]

​@@mojewjewjew4420 assads have been ruling since 1975 you think they're not dictatorship

[@d3thkn1ghtmcgee74]

I didn't see that coming!

[@yazannaser7103]

As a Syrian I can assure you that president Assad is not as notorious as the western media say he is The amount of lies they say is horrendous

[@ThatGuy9x]

​@@mojewjewjew4420 he is a vicious dictator and son of a notorious dictator

[@ozgurcanC17]

To be honest, I am suprised that you didn't mention the recent rapprochement between Turkey and Syria.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Yes. There are some signs of detente there too. But I wanted to focus on the Arab relationship at this stage. (Also, if I started mentioning Turkey I’d gets lots of people telling me it isn’t Arab! 🙂) I’ll come back to the Turkey-Syria issue at another time.

[@ozgurcanC17]

@@JamesKerLindsay :) Fair enough. Turkish policy toward Syria is aleays an intrigue one. I am sure you will take an objective picture, free from useless and null biases.

[@accuratetaxes5504]

@@JamesKerLindsay Turkey"s approach everywhere is to kiss the hand of your enemy until you can cut it

[@ozgurcanC17]

@@accuratetaxes5504 :D I wish that was true :D :D But our statesmen are not as clever as you presume :))

[@universalgenius12]

there is a lot that hasn't been mentioned. There is many developments, but the fact that syria and yemen have both resisted the world and continued to remain the same

[@TheRemover469]

Will there be a video on the recent clashes in Sudan?

[@scottodhonnchu5034]

Given many Arab states growing ties with Israel, and their rapprochement with Syria, what I'm curious about is if that will have any sway on Israeli-Syrian relations.

[@maxamedcllaahi5722]

Isreal are not country

[@BeorEviols]

Whatever happens between Syria and Israel, it will have to involve resolving the issue around the Golan Heights. I wonder if Syria would be willing to normalize ties so long as Israel still controls the Golan

[@stoneruler]

@@maxamedcllaahi5722 Says otherwise by Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, UAE.

[@himanshugurjar9002]

@@maxamedcllaahi5722 Israel will be a country and all states are accepting it.

[@maxamedcllaahi5722]

@@himanshugurjar9002 isreal was creare colonial will never be state lol

[@markdowding5737]

Great video professor. Just one thing that I don't think you fully explored. What is the current relationship between the Assad regime and the Kurdish forces in the North East like? Have there been any significant talks between both sides to find a proper resolution to the conflict (like Kurds properly establishing their own autonomous region with a high degree of autonomy)? Also, how do you view Turkey's long-term goals in the areas in Syria that it currently controls and how will the Assad government react to any further intrusive actions on the part of Turkey?

[@kingjayapala]

What would happen with Kurdish autonomy? What rights would the Assyrians have? Their villages and farms would be occupied by Kurds. Kurds are valued Syrians citizens. Their respect for religious freedom (outside Turkey) and their noble fight to protect Syria’s people and archaeological heritage against ISIS is a contribution that no patriotic Syrian should ever forget. But at the end of the day, they are Syrians. Should every ethnic group in every country create and autonomous state? Should blacks get autonomous territories in the US? Syrians still need a strong central state, albeit one that respects the rights of and enshrines a place for the rich history of the Kurds (going all the way back to the Gutian Empire). We cannot have a fragmented or weakened Syria, nor can we neglect the rights of Arabs and Christians who live in Kurdish controlled/majority regions.

[@kingjayapala]

If Russia hadn’t invaded the Ukraine they could have taken out every Ottoman terrorist soldier trying to conquer Syria. President Putin needs to make peace with Ukraine and go after Erdogan instead. But they will be awfully difficult to dislodge with an Iranian economic recession and a decimated Russian and Syrian military and economy. Though with a rapproachment between Erdogan and Assad, I think the AKP may wait longer before taking more territory. Most Turks see the PYD as enemies, Al Nusra as beloved puppets who no longer have a chance of conquering all of Syria, and Assad as a sort of neutral lesser of two evils they no longer want to remove from the border region if it risks bringing the Turkish army into direct conflict with well armed Kurdish militias.

[@williamdavis9562]

@@kingjayapala I'd imagine a strong central state in Syria would probably bring more stability to everyone there when compared to the alternatives. Although I'm not sure what you mean when you say "their religious freedoms are respected (outside Turkey) Turkey has repressed Kurds for a long time but I don't ever recall one instance where their religion was restricted or infringed upon. Considering most of them have the same religion as the rest of the nation. It's an ethnic issue not a religious one. But again I do agree that a strong singular state in Syria is probably best for everyone.

[@kingjayapala]

I’m saying that Kurds generally respect religious freedom in Syria and Iraq but not in Turkey. In Turkey, the Kurds were heavily involved in the Armenian genocide and I’ve personally seen towns like Dargecit that once had Christian majorities now dominated by Kurds who blast allah hu akbar over thousand year old churches that never had a mosque near them. I’ve met Christian girls in Turkey who have been tricked into converting by HUDA PAR Kurdish Islamists but then forbidden from leaving or getting a divorce once they regret the marriage. Many Kurds in Turkey are Erdogan loving Islamists. It’s Turkey’s Islamist Kurds who don’t respect religious freedom of non-Muslims, not the Turkish government who infringes on the religious rights of conservative Sunni Kurds. Of course it’s a different story for Christian and Alevi Kurds. Their religious freedoms are not respected by the Diyanet.

[@talalzero1418]

As Syria reapproaches Turkey (a NATO memeber), kurds will slowly need to negotiate with the syrian government, the only missing part would be the US. Assad will have to wait for the american political climate to change, or offer the Us something they want.

[@emilhuseynov6121]

Thank you very much professor. I am currently studying international and European law and would love to mix in to my studies aspects of international relations. Would you perhaps recommend literature of any sort which would enable me to teach myself on that topic?

[@jackhammoud7787]

😂😂😂

[@thierrynolevaux9268]

Read "Mémoires de Jean Monnet."

[@disanKh]

Saudi be like : cmon brother we tried to eliminate you for decade... OK forget it let's have dinner 🍽

[@am-army8395]

It means basher al assad is being punished for his supporter to Palestinian fighters

[@rebellefleur2993]

Absolutely

[@MathiasGmail86]

Qatar talking about oppression in other countries is hilariously hypocritical.

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

The United States and EU telling the world not to form relations with Syria is hypocritical.

[@bilic8094]

@@FlamingBasketballClub They said the same thing about Venezuela and Maduro.

[@gottmituns813]

Totally agree.

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

@@bilic8094 true

[@alhashmy1310]

Qatar is better than most countries in the world including the West

[@RR-vg5hg]

Everything you described as a rouge state fits America perfectly

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Maybe. But also Russia and China. As I noted in another comment, there’s actually a very interesting debate as to whether world powers can be pariah states. If you are an essential part of the system - indeed, make the system - can you be outside it?

[@felipe-vibor]

@@JamesKerLindsay a rogue state in my world is united States

[@thomassenbart]

@@felipe-vibor that is a foolish view. The entire world system was created and is sustained by the USA. If you dislike American power it is likely you have no comprehension of the alternative or you are a fanatic.

[@asharahmad1068]

​@@thomassenbart USA destabilized many countries for power. Libya was such a lavish country until USA got involved. If Gaddafi was alive us dollar and euro would have been crushed long ago and u would be seeing Europeans going to Africa the same way u see Africans going to Europe

[@asharahmad1068]

​@@thomassenbart even trump admitted that USA destabilized middle east

[@ariefferdaus31]

Amazing video, James! I’m already working after my graduation and now it’s already Eid here so I have some time! :’) I think one major factor that is playing a role for Syria’s current situation here is what I perceive as the US’s decline. There are already open reports about de-dollarisation and 19 countries wanting to enter BRICS. The most significant of all is China’s recent move as mediator between Saudi Arabia and Iran. I think with the US’s recent decline (I wouldn’t say downfall), it could be possible that Syria will gain some extra confidence to present itself back into the international community. And I think there is a possibility that the international community, especially in the Middle East, would be ready to engage with Syria again. Not because of full acceptance but rather to address more pressing issues such as the narco crisis you mentioned in your video. Amazing video as always, James! Hope I can do my Masters next year.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Hi Arief, great to hear from you! I hope all is well at your end. I think you are absolutely right. I also think a lot of this is due to declining US power. That said, I’m not ready to write it off yet. I was more certain after the messy withdrawal from Afghanistan. But Ukraine has changed a lot. As for the BRICS, I tension highly sceptical - for many reasons. I really should do sone thing on this.

[@ariefferdaus31]

@@JamesKerLindsay Many thanks for your reply! Lovely always to interact with you. I am also sceptical with claims that BRICS can go far. I still have a hunch that it might not last for long. It could be like another CONEFO in the past but of course anything can happen. But with the US’s current decline, especially in Asia as I can feel it today, it will trigger more changes as we can see with Syria. Keep on producing, James!

[@realhawaii5o]

I am aware that a few months ago you did a couple of updates on Moldova... However, I'm wondering if you'd explore the protests in Moldova and Georgia and how the government and the protests stand on the EU/Russia axis.

[@nett6806]

Thank you professor, It was enjoyable informative, and all together brilliant!

[@TheLocalLt]

Oops watched this video on Sunday but realized I forgot to leave a comment. Thanks for taking a look at this topic professor! From my lay man’s perspective, it seems theoretically possible, but I have to believe a necessary precursor would be a final peace deal regarding Syria. Obviously these would be extremely tough negotiations between many interested parties, made even more complicated by the presence of the final Islamist strongholds remaining in Idlib (under Tahrir al-Sham’s so-called Syrian Salvation Government). For now the country is basically partitioned, with defacto states controlling around a third of Syria’s pre-war territory. Although one of these, namely the Kurdish entity in North & East Syria, has essentially committed to reintegration into Syria with autonomy, there continue to be major barriers to reintegrating areas under control of the other factions: • the aforementioned Islamist regime in Idlib • the Turkish puppet state in the north • the American-garrisoned al-Tanf Deconfliction Area in the southeast And that’s not to mention other issues of sovereignty to be addressed, such as cross-border movement by militias such as Hezbollah and others. So if the prerequisite is indeed a peace deal, it seems one might not be so quick in coming. Of course the human story here buried beneath all the geopolitical power games are the hundreds of thousands of lives uprooted. Thanks for taking a look at this professor, will be interesting to see how, and when, this seemingly frozen conflict is formally resolved.

[@Locutus]

Another good video, Professor. Do you have a video in the pipeline about the coronation, or the Royal Family in general? It's worth having one to capitalise on the coronation.

[@Lhunath]

Thank you for that analysis, Professor. Do you detect a recent trend in the middle-east which may suggest there are underlying efforts to unify the Arab nations as an anti-western block? It seems likely to me that behind-the-scene diplomatic efforts of the Russian and Chinese regimes are underway to forge new alliances and pacify internal conflicts to create a newfound stability in support of new ideals for world order. Regardless the circumstances, pacification in these regions is doubtlessly good news, assuming it is sustainable and not in the interest of greater conflict on the horizon.

[@peterkops6431]

Well put Ihunath 👍🏻👍🏻. No doubt about the trend.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great question. It’s really interesting you ask this. I started to wonder about this too as I was making it. We know Saudi-US relations aren’t great at the moment. And this move on Syria would certainly be a further step towards strengthening ties between Riyadh and Tehran. But it raises some important questions in a wider pan-Arab Unity context. It’s interesting that there are some firm hold outs against engagement. Let’s see what happens over the next month and whether we see Assad at the next Arab League summit.

[@Kevin-iv3lv]

Yes. Absolutely they are.

[@thetrashman3129]

I respect the way you still take the time to reply to upset comments coming from a new corner of the globe with every video!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Haha! Thank you so much! 😀 Yes, I do my best. I think it’s important. And I do actually enjoy the discussion. Obviously, I don’t like mindlessly abusive comments. But if they are made relatively politely then I will try to reply. But, yes, each week brings a new set of angry comments! 🙂

[@natiman_]

Would love to learn more about the Sudan conflict that recently started and how that could affect the horn.

[@ayham_tabbakh]

Long life my prisedent Assad ❤️🇸🇾 Imagine more than 12 years and several countries in the world tried to fall Assad by doing everything, supporting and sending terrorist groups to syria.

[@rashnuofthegoldenscales4512]

We Iranians are proud to stand with you in your defense of country 🇮🇷🤝🇸🇾

[@AsadAli-kk2ig]

​@@rashnuofthegoldenscales4512 And Pakistanis as well ❤❤

[@AsadAli-kk2ig]

Thank you. Now let's enjoy the irony on the West 😂

[@alinacretu9625]

Professor, a big thank you for your remarkable effort! My university professor pointed me toward your videos and they've been an absolute time saver

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Hi Alina, thank you so much for the very kind comment. I am delighted that they have been so helpful. And please do offer my sincerest thanks and best regards to your professor. :-)

[@gottmituns813]

Pressure from the arab monarchies, Türkiye and the west in general against Syria failed miserably.

[@likemike6107]

but Syria ended up being a failed state and needs all mentioned above to rebuild and become a normal country again.

[@gottmituns813]

@@likemike6107 I don't think Türkiye is financially willing to help anyone.

[@skp8748]

​@@gottmituns813 especially not a mass murderer like assad

[@neilnelson7603]

​@@gottmituns813 Didn't Turkish military just committed war crimes killing kurds that help US fight off Islamic State?😂

[@gottmituns813]

@@neilnelson7603 Not only killing kurds, but also invading and occupying syrian territory to effect demographic change and extract syria's natural resources. Why do you think I defend türkiye's outrages?

[@tarazan3456]

What about the gas pipeline that was supposed to go from the gulf (Qatar) to Europe in order to make it independent from cheap Russian gas, also what about the discoveries of a lot of gas along the shores of the eastern Mediterranean as the 2 most important causes of the war in Syria... I would be interested in the professor reply & comments and why omit those 2 items in the presentation?

[@travellingtheunknown]

As someone that works in Syria in the tourism sector, I believe this is a good thing. Saudi reproachment has led to direct flights and easier visa issuance starting soon. It's also become (slightly) easier to visit Egypt for Syrians, who up until recently had to pay about 1000 USD to get entry permission (no exaggeration). These factors are important for Syrians that have family in these countries and those that want to emigrate (many!). Hopefully some investment projects will come soon as well. Syria's international isolation has only made the suffering of the Syrian people worse, and I can tell you that most Syrian people living in gov-controlled parts of Syria are happy to hear such news. Of course things won't return to normal overnight but at least there will be a slight easing of the lives of many.

[@deltasquared7777]

It is important that Arab States (as well as Iran-a Muslim country) unite against the powerful US and its western vassal hegemony. There is no fundamental reason that Muslim countries can not and should get along with each other politically and economically to present a united bloc against the West. The main reason for dissent among them is rooted in Washington's basic and highly effective strategy to divide in order to conquer, largely acting through its "non-governmental" orgamizations (NGOs) such as the NED by means of organized and well funded color revolutions and coups. This is the most important and fundamental US hegemonic weapon it uses to destroy any and all opposition to its quest for world domination and exploitation

[@anirudhparthasarathy3387]

Good afternoon James, interesting to see that the situation in Syria is changing. Could this williingness of Assad be used as means to force him to negotiate and reach a settlement / cede territory ?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Hello there, Anirudh. Great question. It is really interesting to see how this is playing out. There are obvious divisions about how to handle Assad. Syria has been a troublemaker for decades. (Notwithstanding the misguided comments from some viewers about how Assad is misunderstood and that it's all negative Western propaganda. He isn't and it isn't. Syria has long been a horrible repressive state and a troublemaker.) But there's a sense that Assad is not going anywhere, so it may be best to engage with Damascus. But it also seems that many Arab states want to resolve the situation as it gives Iran a foothold in the region. I think he will be pressured to try to reach a final political settlement.

[@neilnelson7603]

​@@JamesKerLindsay Am curious, how is Syria been a trouble maker? I mean, they helped or tried to recover Palestinian lands in the 6 day wars, helped resolve Lebanese civil war and resisted Islamic State. Where do you get your sources that claims Syria is a troublemaker?

[@johnkarls2132]

Jeffersonian Republican democracy would never have happened with Assad stepping down. Tyranny would have replaced him far worse than he would or could have done!!!

[@mojewjewjew4420]

Finally someone sees reason,Bashar is actually quite moderate by syrian standards.

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

​@@mojewjewjew4420 Bashar has killed orders of magnitude more than any rebel group has

[@RCSVirginia]

When it became absolutely clear that reconstructing a functional nation in Afghanistan was going to be exceedingly difficult, if not totally impossible, and that the invasion of Iraq was a complete disaster, the lesson should have been learnt that overthrowing governments in the name of regime change and some delusional concept of universal human rights was an incredibly stupid idea. In addition, it could been seen that when authoritarian control was removed in Muslim countries, the groups that benefitted most from that removal were radical Islamist ones that believed in Jihad and had no respect for Western-style human rights whatsoever. Tragically for the nations and peoples involved, that reality was completely ignored when the West overthrew Qaddafi in Libya and attempted to overthrow Assad in Syria. The result in both cases has been bloodshed and violence that has helped destabilize the surrounding regions.

[@toby9999]

Not that simple.

[@kth6736]

100% correct.

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

This is such a dumb analysis, Syria literally realised jihadists from prison to poison the revolution.

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

Let's compare Libya and Syria right now as you brought it up. 2nd Libyan civil war 11,000 deaths, war in Syria 400,000 deaths at least.

[@neilnelson7603]

​@@williamthebonquerer9181 Syria's death toll was as a result of more than 2 war fronts. The Assad-rebel conflict, Assad-Islamic state conflict and Kurds-Islamic state conflict.

[@aloneandscared1]

Even the CIA couldn't write a better script

[@bilimadison]

Sorry but to pro Israel and evil USA this video is for me😢 I’m Bulgarian that supports Bashar Al Assad(I call him the father of the Syrians case he reminds me of Our Father Tzar Boris 3. There is something about Assad his connection with his ppl that that is similar to Boris love for Bulgarians that made us loyal to him❤. I hope Assad lives to see old age and keeps protecting his ppl from the military industrial complex and the Northern Atlantic terrorist organisation (Aka NATO) we Bulgarians lost our Father to soon 😢🇧🇬 but I hope Syrians are blessed by there god Allah and my god to protect there father ho in turn protects his ppl and don’t lose him like Libya🇱🇾 lost there Father Gaddafi to the war criminals of the so called civilised west.

[@williamdavis9562]

Interesting post. That is what I love about these videos. We get to see viewpoints from all around the world. Appreciate your input bro. 👍

[@boomgoesdynamite4177]

Didnt bulgarians deport Jews to Israel? Lol

[@williamdavis9562]

@@boomgoesdynamite4177 Not sure what some Bulgarians did decades upon decades ago before this guy was born has anything to do with his view on what is happening in Syria.

[@boomgoesdynamite4177]

@@williamdavis9562 oh i see. He's virtue signaling based on revisionist history. NATO are terrorist? Bulgaria is in NATO. US services Bulgaria's defenses 🤡.

[@Fyrlss]

Greetings, dear Professor! Respectfully, min 4:27 , the former Egyptian president's name is Jamal Abdu-Nasser, AKA Nasser. Yeah, Basel Al-Assad died in a very suspicious "car accident". Basel was widely known to be more moderate and the closest to the Sunnis (in faith) in his family. Basel was loved by the majority in his country, even in Lebanon (which was under Syrian control at that time). Thank you for this informative video 😊

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks very much. (And point taken. I switched the names around by mistake, for some reason!?) That is an interesting point about Basil Assad. How things could have been very different. Then again, once in power, he may have seen a logic to taking a hard line against dissent. But it's always interesting to consider these counterfactuals.

[@COCKTAIL0289]

Basel was killed by his sister, Bushra, and her husband Asef Shawkat

[@mikenogozones]

I'm one of the few Americans who hasn't only visited Syria but also did some filming there I appreciate this video. Yes Bashar Al Assad is a dictator but he's by far the better option than the opposition which mostly composed of extremists including ISIS. Western media totally demonized the Assad regime, I welcome the diplomatic outreach of the Syrian government.

[@toby9999]

So there's a choice between very bad and very very bad...

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. That must have been fascinating. The important point is to recognise that Assad's regime is terrible. Notwithstanding the comments accusing me of Western propaganda, the reality is that few Arab states like Syria. (Seemingly, some appear to think that it is misunderstood or maligned.) It has been a problem for decades. But I think there is an important debate about whether it is better to engage with it or not. I am actually (and perhaps surprisingly) rather agnostic on the issue. I can see both sides of the argument. But, if pushed, I would argue that we should see more concrete steps from Damascus first.

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

​@@toby9999 that's how Assad intended people to see the conflict. He released islamists from jail just so he could claim all opposition was ISIS. Never mind the fact he used chemical weapons before ISIS even former in Syria

[@tuteratut]

@@JamesKerLindsay I think we need to start with the USA removing itself from its occupation of Northern Syria which I am surprised you did not mention as it is clearly illegal under international law, a topic where you have expertise. Indeed, the US is depriving the Syrian people of their oil and wheat, which is essential for the reconstruction of their country. I suspect that that qualifies as a crime against humanity. One should also note the malign role of the US in backing ISIS/Al Quaeda in seeking to topple the Assad government in the first place - again such an intervention in the internal affairs of a country cannot be justified in international law. Who deserves to be treated as a pariah here one might ask?

[@artman12]

Assad is actually secular and Christians in Syria felt safe and supported him. Meanwhile, the European and American media and governments support radical Islamists like Al Qaida in Syria by calling them as “moderates” to get the public support. Mind you this is not the first time that American and European governments did this as they supported overthrowing the secular government of Iran to create the theocracy and it seems they are now trying to do the same thing to Bangladesh.

[@canabiscid]

Can you imagine Bashar being your optometrist then seeing him become a brutual dictator. What a twist.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Indeed! 😳 But it’s interesting that he always looks slightly awkward. Even after almost a quarter century in power, he looks as though he doesn’t feel that comfortable in the role. In these videos, it looks as those he’s genuinely grateful that these states are engaging again. It’s a really interesting situation. What sort if person is he? Is he someone who is genuinely sadistic, like Saddam Hussein was. Or is he someone who is really more moderate at heart but believes that the survival of the regime means having to clamp down on opposition? (And is surrounded by people who are brutal.)

[@mojewjewjew4420]

How is Assad a brutal dictator? Hypocrite much? He fought a civil war,you cant do that in white gloves.

[@mojewjewjew4420]

@@JamesKerLindsay Sadam wasnt a sadist,quit the propaganda!

[@rizkyadiyanto7922]

@@JamesKerLindsay you ate too much american propaganda, sir.

[@omaralmalouhi5718]

@@JamesKerLindsay bashar is a mere figure head, it is known that his small circle of generals and oligarchs are who truly control the country, after all syria is a hereditary dictatorship, the crown of the presidency was passed to him by his father thus he is the legitimate heir to an illegitimate government

[@noway6379]

I wonder why there was no Armenians in the minority you mentioned. Armenian play an important role in Syria.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Indeed. The Armenians are a small but influential group. There was no underlying intent by not mentioning them. I’ve just found that when I make these videos it can sometimes come across as a bit of a listing exercise. Syria is a very diverse country. I just wanted to get across that point, but ficus on the key minority for the purpose of this video, the Alawites.

[@brkatimachor]

This is just the best IR channel on youtube. I have all the time in the world for it. Off to share it now across social media!

[@mz6367]

I’m pretty sure that Syria’s supposition will be lifted eventually since Saudi Arabia along with UAE and Egypt which are the strongest and most influential countries in the Arab world have been pushing for it

[@williamdavis9562]

Egypt has very little influence in relation to the other nations you just mentioned. Egypt is essentially a vassal state to the highest bidder. One week America owns Egypt, the next week the UAE so on and so forth. Essentially the highest bidder is ever changing.

[@mr.u8006]

Egypt no longer has power

[@FourTetTrack]

Thank you for the video Professor! If I'm lucky, I'll receive a copy of your new book tomorrow. About the topic of this video, I do hope Assad has to step down sooner rather than later, but as you mentioned, the country is in a bad shape and I wonder if the person replacing him would be any better.

[@AbwibrahimO]

it is so hard to be as bad as Assad, so i think even if we Syrians bring a cat or a dog, or even fish will be much better that this war criminal

[@jaw444]

he's the leader because most Syrians want him to lead them. That's the way it should be. It's never right for a foreign power to coerce that decision. Not all Syrians want Assad, most do. Those who don't want him need to fight it out to the extent that is possible, and the main ,way is to win over more people to opposing Assad but that so far is simply not possible. Against so much foreign opposition, most Syrians are still keeping Assad. I think he's been a good choice for them. Apparently they think so too. So far, i haven't been given any convincing evidence that the worst things said about him are true. I have only heard claims and seen evidence presented by his mortal enemies. i know what it looks like when a society overwhelmingly opposes their government. It looks very different from Syria. In a conflict where evidence can't be separated from extreme political bias, it just has to play out.

[@skeetrix5577]

hey professor, Itd be great if you can do a video about what's going on in Sudan right now. best wishes!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Someone else brought this up. I probably won’t do something just now. The situation is very unclear and so it would be highly did speculative. Also, it’s hard to get any traction with all the news coverage. But I have wanted to look at Sudan for a while. It is a fascinating country.

[@skeetrix5577]

@@JamesKerLindsay appreciate the reply! I actually only found out about the conflict a few days ago and was surprised that the only main source of information on it was wikipedia. I havent seen anything come over my feed from any major news networks, it certainly aren't their top story. anywho since they overthrew al-bashir it seems the country just can't shake it's years of being mired in more conflict which is unfortunate because the situation seemed hopeful immediately after his ouster. but as we've seen as recently as Egypt, when the military takes over civil life it tends to stay that way. Its interesting though because it appears the military has broken up into factions and are fighting each other, of course with the innocent war wary civilians caught in the middle. I really like your Friday videos as it gives this geopolitics nerd a chance to learn about a state I may not be that familiar with, and if the day comes that your able to do one on Sudan I'd be interested to hear your professional take on the matter. I understand it's a very fluid mess and maybe right now wouldn't be a good idea to analyze the situation until it evens out a bit. anywho I enjoy all of your content and appreciate your comment engagement:) thank you for explaining complex issues that a lowly truck driver can easily understand lol :)

[@peterkops6431]

@@skeetrix5577 on point mate👍🏻. Mainstream media is more concerned about cats stuck up trees than important international events. There is a real lack of understanding in the West regarding the roll-on effects of such issues.

[@bruceli9094]

So what was the Syrian war about again??

[@Avaricumstudios]

When you cover the Sudan conflict please don't forget to check on the role of Chad ,Chad often gets overlooked yet it is always interfering in CAR and Sudan...fueling conflicts in both this country

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great point!

[@BEYSeamaster1]

Who decided Syria is a pariah? And who decided it’s not a pariah anymore? It seems to me it’s the same actors which begs the questions, are those people “the international community” believable? It seems that they make a country a pariah or a saint when it’s convenient for them with disregard to justice and the truth. As Charles de Gaulle said, governments don’t have friends, they have interests.

[@ThiccPhoenix]

Can you do a video about the Golan heights? 🇮🇱

[@aliebraheem8382]

You missed a few points in the Syrian history. For example, Syria was the center of the Omyyad caliphate. Syria resored part of Al Golan heights in 1973 after initiating an attack on the zionist apartheid state.

[@ismailsaoud]

Like the video Just one pointer...Egypt's president is called Gamal AbdelNasser not AbdelGamal Nasser

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Yes, a few have pointed it out. It was a silly mistake. I’ve said his name numerous times in other videos! Sorry. These things sometimes happen. :-)

[@ismailsaoud]

@@JamesKerLindsay its okay i just loved the video so much that i thought i’d just point it out as a reminder to you. The video was great. Thank you for your work

[@theconqueringram5295]

From the looks of it, Syria is ascending again. Hopefully, the civil war can end sometime this decade.

[@peterkops6431]

Thanks Prof 👍🏻👍🏻

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you, Peter. Have a great weekend.

[@JaiAcuneIdeeQuoiMettreIci]

AS SOON AS you said that there were calls for Syria to be let back into the Arab league, I got a notification from deutsche welle saying they had been let back in.

[@MrSteamer14]

thank you for making these videos 🙏🏿

[@saadiali1552]

Neutral and factual analysis. But I stand with Asad.

[@universeonedocumentary]

Wonderful! Instantly subscribed 😊

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. And a very warm welcome!

[@universeonedocumentary]

@@JamesKerLindsay I learnt more about Syria in these 14 minutes than I may by reading any book 😆

[@DjReXforever]

As of the last few days syria’s arab league suspension has been lifted

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Yes, it seemed to be heading that way.

[@DjReXforever]

@@JamesKerLindsay do you think a possible regional alliance between Iran and Saudi is coming with the way things are going? Them putting their hands together could push pakistan and turkey to fall in line (if erdogan wins the election)

[@adamgharibe9461]

Big thanks for this Video, Thats a great spot-on and fair explanation!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much!

[@briancops3798]

I noticed this a few days ago and didn't know what to think about it. Thank you for this video, it really clarifies a lot. How do you think that the civil war will continue in the future and Turkey's control over parts of Northern Syria and the rumours that it would invade again?

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

Not before an election they won't

[@ptjichad007]

Thanks for this comprehensive video about the Syrian conflict,

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you!

[@ali-ej2yf]

Why didn't you talk about the US and its allies' support for terrorist groups in syria that lead to a civil war? Also there has been multiple reports that the gas attacks were done by terrorists not the syrian government.

[@toby9999]

Excellent and spot-on. Thank you.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much indeed!

[@Frostaqak]

Unrelated to this video but i would love to know more about BRICS

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great suggestion! I really should do something on this.

[@teamcoldblac8775]

What can you say of Libya and how that country went from one of the most fair, rich and affluent countries in the world to a veritable basket case after Western intervention. Gutted of many of its great national projects.

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

Libya and Iraq is far safer and wealthier than Syria is funnily enough. You lot have been using this talking point for a decade now and haven't noticed that Iraq and Libyas wars long ended and Syria is still at war.

[@SashaArsic]

He can't say anything, as it doesn't fit the western narrative.

[@ClydeShadow6]

> went from one of the most fair, rich and affluent countries in the world Lol, just lol.

[@rashnuofthegoldenscales4512]

​@@ClydeShadow6 "LOL"? Is that your reaction to Libya now being home to actual slave markets?

[@neilnelson7603]

​​@@ClydeShadow6 Tell me how did Western intervention made Libya the best country in the world? This is the problem of listening too much western propaganda. You think beyond your nose 👃 😂😂😂

[@canarassavas]

I am watching your videos for improve my english, thank you for all🙏

[@JamesKerLindsay]

I hope they are helping! :-)

[@Muhamedim]

I feel that the status of the Syrian state has begun to change since the recent earthquakes. ??

[@nowar7170]

Thanks for this video 4:27 the Egyptian leader name is Gamal Abd el Naser, not as you wrote and spoke.

[@mmmu9339]

All these western countries and colonizers fit the description of a pariah state very well. Funny how they consider Syria as one lol

[@IAmTheOnlyLucas]

Cool video Professor. I’m nearly finished with your and Prof. Fabry’s book on secession and state creation. I’ve learned a good lot I didn’t previously know! One topic that would’ve been well served by your expertise would be state recognition and revoking it based on the govt in power, as has been the case with both Taliban govts in Afghanistan. The other is old world state’s historical basis for existence, and sometimes expansion. The obvious case is Russia, but also Hungary’s vocal opposition to the Treaty of Trianon. The Assad Dynasty has been a great sadness for many Syrian people and a thorn in the side of the international order! One can only hope that Russia’s degradation will mean that Bashar’s de facto victory in the civil war will be the last one for bellicose tyrants for a long time.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Great stuff, Lucas! I’m really glad that you are enjoying the book and have found it useful. It was so interesting to write it. Those are really good points. Derecognition is a fascinating area. There’s actually a lot of debate about it. I tend to take the view that the old practice of separating out recognition of governments from recognition of states can be useful. It fell out of use, but it has been a little more prevalent in recent years. Interestingly, Syria was a good case. I briefly alluded to it in the video when I mentioned that many countries recognised the Syrian opposition as the voice of the Syrian people. But this was a really interesting development as it was actually something very unusual.it wasn’t recognised as an alternative government. It was merely recognised as having a legitimate claim to represent the Syrians.

[@Asamations]

I mean he's a brutal dictator. But sometimes you kind of have to engage with them. I do not think we should engage with them on the same sort of level as one of our allies, say Canada or New Zealand. But Assad seems well entrenched within his position. And like how us Brits deal with North Korea, we should treat the regime with extreme suspicion and not hand over any dissidents whilst also killing terrorists within the country regardless of what the Syrian Government says about their sovereignty. As long as we don't directly try and do regime change. I think we should still try and see how we can convince Assad to go. Anyways, excellent video James! I wonder what your thoughts are on the topic?

[@erenoz2910]

It seems like the "world stage" you are referring to is just the United States and the European Union. Normalizing relations with Syria would help the region greatly and alleviate the suffering caused by this frozen conflict. I think it is in the best interest of every country in the Middle East to talk to Damascus about the political problems as well as the humanitarian crisis that ensued from this war that just can't seem to end.

[@xenofonkarykis8417]

I believe I commented in your voting question that "It s only a question of who rushes to find a seat at the table before the proverbial ship sails with Syria and Assad back into the Arab league which may even happen before the Turkish elections, and not a question of if they should start re-engaging" . Indeed so it has, in the nick of time bang on before the Turkish election results came through.😅 Syria's next day needed to be hammered out fast just in case Erdogan was no longer in power today...

[@JamesKerLindsay]

As it looks like Erdogan is I. Course to win, I think we’re going to see sone even more interesting - and worrying - times ahead.

[@xenofonkarykis8417]

@@JamesKerLindsay Worrying for sure. Yes Erdogan is staying, he already has majority in the parliament so it's a done deal, the presidency is the cherry and he's getting that as well, the loose votes are all ideologically inclined towards him and he only needs .5%. It's more likely that the alliance against him will disintegrate, everyone planning for the next day under Erdogan. But you never know, the lira is in free fall it can all turn into chaos very quickly.

[@skp8748]

​@@xenofonkarykis8417 the opposition kemal said yesterday hed deport 10million foreigners... hes going ultra nationalist to get votes

[@ThatGuy9x]

I'm a displaced Syrian citizen who pray daily for this NOT to happen, the amount of atrocities that we encountered is unparalleled in the 21st century. Assad's regime is only compared to the Nazi regime, people seem to forget the Cesar photos so easily. Assad is being rebranded with zero consideration for our pains and its all happening for political gains in the region. This breaks my heart beyond imagination...

[@williamdavis9562]

I get where you are coming from but what is the alternative? Allow the country to descend into chaos with even more people dying and never ending instability? Yes we get it, Assad isn't the best of guys. But what is the alternative for Syria right now? ISIS? The bands of terrorists sent into Syria by America, Turkey and Saudi Arabia? Is it good for Syria that Russia and Iran essentially own the country because they're the only ones holding it together? I'd honestly love to hear your opinion on what the alternative to Assad is? I'd imagine wanting him out is a lot easier for someone who is no longer there. What about people who are still there? Any consideration for them and their future?

[@saturn724]

For many decades in the late 1900's Syria was one of the more respected countries by Arab states, in terms of productivity, real estate investment and tourism friendliness. It was not a 'destabilizing' state to the middle east any more than Israel, and certainly not a 'dictatorship' any more than Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

[@thedarkslayer9475]

4:27 that is Gamal Abdul Naser, not Abdul Gamal Naser.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Yea, I know. Silly mistake. Especially as I have discussed his role in many other videos!

[@kadilkasim8264]

There are so many countries had an interest to grab the Land of Syria specially the Israel and U.S...

[@yashr285]

Peace in Yemen and accomodation of Assad in the arab fold remains a challenging test case for the resilience of the Chinese mediated Saudi Iran Accord

[@marakujer7269]

as a german, the Main target country of Migration, i highly welcome a re-regognition of Assad as a reality that is at the moment and for long term without alternative. Asylum seekers who claim they fled of War, unsecurity or difficult conditions should be sent back. Still now, EVERY Syrian entering Germany gets a protection, no matter what the Person is telling, just because he/or she is Syrian. And the kurds in the northeast, Rojava, should be regognized as a state Faktor, too, so people can be sended back. A step that Getmany doens't do of course, because of the NATO-,"Partner" Turkey

[@anneroy5346]

Not too sure. But the definition of rogue state sounds like the US to me

[@JamesKerLindsay]

And Russia and China too. But there’s actually an interesting discussion about whether major world powers can in fact be rogue states. The danger is that their bad behaviour alters the entire international system and makes it more dangerous. I’d agree with that.

[@youknow6968]

This is truly sad, and a ridiculous reflection of modern realities. No matter how much they make their people suffer, they continue to rule.

[@avikazak655]

Our existence is wrong

[@youknow6968]

@@avikazak655 that's rather depressing, since we're already aware that humanity has achieved far more than it has lost, or wronged.

[@avikazak655]

@@youknow6968 i bet that you Can stand here for 1 week

[@avikazak655]

My life Mission is to spread antinatalism But unfortunately that we can not promote anything on Internet

[@youknow6968]

@@avikazak655 stand here for a week? What's that supposed to mean? You spread what you want, I'm not here to spread anything except my take on issue I find interesting.

[@rajaaseed1900]

The video was great. But I think you should have discussed the recent earthquake in Syria because according to my knowledge, Syrian government is using it to rebuild relationships by asking for aid.....

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great point. This does seem to have helped a bit. But it was interesting that the Syrian angle didn’t receive nearly as much international attention as the Turkish.

[@glenngilbert7389]

Once again, a most educational insight into this particular Middle Eastern state, presented objectively. Thank you.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much!

[@abdulkadirismael5607]

It came to my mind that dozens of well known countries are a way near to your definition of pariah states than Syria. But it depends who is saying.

[@sherjohn2116]

So I spent 13 minutes listening to this thinking it was Patrick Boyle 😂

[@louissanderson719]

Why?

[@housla9081]

Long live Assad

[@JamesKerLindsay]

This comment is not nearly as clever or edgy as you probably think it is.

[@Atikurrahmn]

Bashar al assad stood strong to save his country from the western backed isis and al qaeeda. Bravo to him 👏

[@bilic8094]

Putin and Basha'rs men cleaned up Syria pretty good I thought he was finished when isis took large swaths of land.

[@mojewjewjew4420]

Not only proxies but Turkey invaded outright and America got involved directly to support its terrorists against Syria, Allah,Syria,Bashar!

[@zerullahkhan5899]

Salam Sir,is democracy world wide on decline looking at India, Bangladesh, Pakistan (never fully democratic),Turkey,Poland,Hungary and rise of far right in Italy and France.

[@FactFusion254]

Please do a video on why Palestine is not recognized by half of the G20 members and in turn not in the world maps

[@BaronEvola123]

It was suspended from the Arab league for 2 reasons: They are Shia along with the Iranians. The Israelis and the Saudis work together. They took up the Palestinian and Lebanese cause as well. The Ruisians get a port and the Israelis want to expand drilling rights.

[@sergeantmajor_gross]

Enlightening video. I doubt we will ever see Assad join a viewing of a French millitary parade but surely we in Europe should normalize relations again. It will be better for the earthquake victims to recover economically as well.

[@danieledelstein9129]

Great video, Professor. I think normalization with the Arab world is a lot easier than with the broader world since there's not much of a democratic societal structure, and hence what leadership does is what goes. It's not like there was a referendum about Egypt/Jordan making a peace treaty with Israel, or the recent Abraham Accords. Moreover the Syrian refugees are primarily located in Turkey and Europe, so it isn't either like Arab leaders have to worry about reprisals from that demographic. Still, I suspect some nominal "working agreement/settlement" as a precondition for official restoration into the Arab League, one such potential action being ostensible resettlement of refugees. Though the Assad regime has been saying that resettlement is allowed form quite some time now, despite human rights organizations documenting many disappearences upon repatriation in such circumstances. So I'm not at all convinced a formal coming-out on a resettlement amnesty will be met with much trust by Syrian refugees.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much, Daniel. Great points. Yes, it is certainly a lot easier for many Arab states to put the past behind them. But I get the sense that there isn’t any great love for Assad. More a sense that he’s won. He still in charge and there are a lot of issues that need him to take care of. But it will be interesting to see if he delivers on their demands. I hope all else is well at your end.

[@Aussie-Mocha]

🫤 and I thought Ukrainian geopolitics was complicated 🤦‍♂️ Just more stalemate frozen in time issues that could explode at any time. I have always been baffled at how violently messy it has been for Centuries in this region.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Syria has a fascinating modern history. As well as the incredible internal turmoil for its first 25 years, it's played a really destabilising broader role for half a century. I think that most Arab states have little time for it. But in the old phrase, it's better to have it in the tent than outside!

[@jackjohnson2101]

This story is very friendly to Israel.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

In my experience, bias is often where you want to find it. I’m certainly not uncritical of Israel. But I’m not going to ignore the efforts by many states to destroy it. And Syria has consistently been at the forefront of those attempts.

[@rashnuofthegoldenscales4512]

​@@JamesKerLindsay Israel has done nothing to endear itself to Syria. Zero. It literally occupies the Golan Heights, in contempt of international law. Israel has an illicit and ill-gotten nuclear arsenal with which it holds the world ransom according to its Samson Plan. Israel's foreign policy is a de facto existential threat against West Asian states and has been enacting a methodical ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. All this is made into a footnote because Israel willingly serves as the 51st American state to keep the Suez Canal under surveillance.

[@BellicoseNation]

Speaking of the "rules based order" isn't the US occupying a big chunk of Syria and what rule allows this? I suspect the US is so interested in Syria because Russia has one of the few serious Naval ports there. Wouldnt it serve US interests if it could replace the govt in Syria, and somehow deprive RU of that port and influence?

[@jonseilim4321]

Everything said in this video is from an anglo perspective, he mentions rules based order then also forgets that conveniently

[@mojewjewjew4420]

@@jonseilim4321 james is a hypocrite,he is whitewashing the involvement and crimes of the west in each video.

[@williamthebonquerer9181]

​@@jonseilim4321 have you seen ANY of his other videos?

[@nartali9683]

@@jonseilim4321 the us is there because your friend bashar butchered 500 thousand Syrians, there is no push from the us to annex the Syrian land nor to force the English language as an official language of the land.

[@nartali9683]

Oh yes it is not because bashar alasad letarly killed and deported millions that Syria have become an unstable mess, it is the us fault😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sampwe]

Your definition of pariah state fits many European countries .

[@kingjayapala]

Every descriptor of a pariah state he gave describes the US, Erdoganist Turkey, Israel, and China. But none of it describes President Assad’s Syria, a paragon of religious tolerance that clocked 7% annual GDP growth in 2010 at the height of the global recession. So why was Syria a pariah state? Because of the golden rule. Those who have the gold make the rules and decide how, when, and upon who they are enforced. The US maintains a massive stockpile of WMDs and supported Pol Pot against the Vietnamese and Osama Bin Laden against the Soviets. But why isn’t the US a state sponsor of terror? Because the US State Department determines who is labeled a state sponsor of terror.

[@Hashi88.]

I'm a somali original from syria decedents, syria is has historic and religious background, might God restore peace and stability ❤🙏.

[@crose7412]

5:29 Are we saying these days that the Golan Heights were a sort of no man's land like Bir Tawil BETWEEN Syria and Israel and not sovereign territory belonging to the former?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

No. The Golan Heights is Syrian territory. The Israeli annexation was condemned by the UN Security Council.

[@ClydeShadow6]

It doesn't matter what it was before, there is no hell in chance for Syria to get Golan back lol.

[@crose7412]

@@ClydeShadow6 Even though Syria can't get it back, facts still matter and aggressive actions should still be criticised.

[@ClydeShadow6]

@@crose7412 Agressive actions? Israel got the Golan heights literally in a defensive war lol.

[@crose7412]

@@ClydeShadow6 Don't be ridiculous. Ukraine are in a "defensive war" i.e. literally within their own borders. To take somebody else's land, one has to venture into foreign territory which is then, by definition, "offensive".

[@michaelschlicker]

Another aspect against normalization are the numerous trials in countries like Germany against those who participated or oversaw torture in Syrian prisons against protestors and later fled to the West.

[@avikazak655]

I'm victim of extreme torture , wanna see ?