What does the future hold for Syria after Assad’s fall? In this gripping episode, Dutch analyst and field researcher Rena Netjes joins us from Istanbul. Fluent in Arabic and Hebrew, and deeply embedded in the region, Rena shares raw insights from her extensive time on the ground in Syria, Egypt, Palestine, and Turkey. We dive into the complex fate of the SDF and PKK, U.S. sanctions, and the geopolitical vacuum left in Assad’s wake. She also recounts her harrowing arrest in Egypt — a story of journalistic courage and survival.

Read her latest article:

👉 “Lifting Sanctions Can Supercharge Syria’s Liberal Economic Opening”

https://dawnmena.org/lifting-sanctions-can-supercharge-syrias-liberal-economic-opening/

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Tags:

Syria, post-Assad, Bashar al-Assad, Rena Netjes, SDF, PKK, Syrian Kurds, Kurdish politics, Syrian conflict, Syrian civil war, U.S. sanctions on Syria, Caesar Act, Kurdish autonomy, Rojava, northeast Syria, Middle East politics, Levant, YPG, Turkey-Syria border, Arab-Kurdish relations, Syrian opposition, Syrian refugees, postwar Syria, PYD, Qamishli, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Syrian civilians, field reporting, foreign analysts in Syria, geopolitics, U.S. foreign policy, Erdogan, Turkish politics, PKK designation, counterterrorism, Kurdish identity, Arab Spring, Egypt revolution, Egyptian police, press freedom, journalist arrest, Cairo, Sinai, Israeli-Arab relations, Arabic-speaking analyst, Hebrew-speaking analyst, linguistic politics, language and conflict, Istanbul-based analyst, Dutch Middle East analyst, field research in conflict zones, memory and resistance, authoritarianism in MENA, Syria after 2024, regional power vacuum, Syria transition, Assad fall 2024, power-sharing, Syrian governance, Turkey-SDF tensions, Iran in Syria, Russian withdrawal Syria, grassroots reporting, lived experience, voices from the ground, eyewitness testimony, Syrian political future, rebel governance, Syrian Arab tribes, US-Turkey relations, EU and Syria, Rena Netjes interview, Syria podcast, Middle East podcast, Syria deep dive, Kurdish politics explained, conflict analysis, real stories from the region, DAWN MENA, Syria economic reform, lifting sanctions, liberal economic opening.

In this episode, we break down the latest developments on the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, the growing unrest among Druze communities in southern Syria, and the unexpected viral moment of Ahmad Sharaa riding a horse. We analyze the political stakes of the ceasefire talks, the regional implications of Druze mobilization, and why Sharaa’s horseback ride was such a hit on social media. From geopolitics to local dynamics, we unpack the narratives shaping the region and what they signal for the future.

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follow along with the video:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ztOwAPaYCTFrsGDhJFRxCzxRKgKWl2DpKCuFZIzNElM/edit?usp=drivesdk

tags:

Canaan, Levant, Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Syria, Gaza, ceasefire, Netanyahu, Trump, Hamas, Saudis, normalization deal, Jared Kushner, Abraham Accords, West Bank, annexation, two-state solution, SSNP, Antoun Saadeh, Kahanism, Marie Colvin, Nir Rosen, Al Jazeera, pro-Assad, Syria war, journalism, whistleblower, Islam, Judaism, Middle East politics, Zionism, Arab nationalism, Israeli politics, Palestinian resistance, Gulf geopolitics, U.S. foreign policy, settler colonialism, occupation, refugee crisis, Hezbollah, Mossad, CIA, political violence, propaganda, information warfare, war crimes, media ethics, human rights, religious identity, theological disputes, geopolitics, diplomacy, covert operations, regional stability, Arab-Israeli conflict, peace process, settler violence, Israeli settlements, right-wing extremism, terrorism, counterterrorism, intelligence agencies, war reporting, investigative journalism, peace negotiations, historical grievances, sectarianism, colonial legacy, international law, Geneva Conventions, United Nations, ICC, ICJ, war tribunals, Gulf alliances, Iran-Saudi relations, Hezbollah-Israel tensions, economic warfare, sanctions, diplomacy backchannels, foreign intervention, Syria reconstruction, Assad regime, media bias, disinformation, narrative warfare, conflict resolution, apartheid accusations, Islamic movements, Jewish nationalism, Palestinian factions, Likud, IDF, resistance movements, political assassinations, Saudi-Israeli relations, Qatari diplomacy, Middle East arms deals, Cold War legacies, Wahhabism, religious fundamentalism, secularism in the Middle East, cultural erasure, historical revisionism, strategic alliances, war economy, post-war reconstruction, military-industrial complex, foreign aid, military occupation, peace prospects, regional hegemonies, neocolonialism, imperialism, great power politics, Belt and Road Initiative, Eastern Mediterranean tensions, gas diplomacy, Turkish-Israeli relations, Arab League, PLO, Fatah, Hamas-Israel war, security coordination, West Bank governance, settler expansion, ultra-Orthodox influence, Likud policies, Israeli judiciary, legal apartheid claims, state-sponsored violence, Arab monarchies, Egyptian mediation, Qatar-Turkey axis, Russia in the Middle East, China-Israel trade, Lebanon’s instability, Syrian opposition, Kurdish autonomy, U.S. elections impact, Biden administration policy, neoconservatism, realist foreign policy, pan-Arabism, post-colonial theory, regional conflicts, Western intervention, ideological extremism, military coups, drone warfare, cyber warfare, propaganda machines, media censorship, exile politics, Palestinian diaspora, Israeli expats, Jewish-Arab coexistence, Abrahamic faiths, theological debates, religious nationalism, diplomatic maneuvers, military strategy, paramilitary groups, espionage, statecraft, great game, proxy wars, regional dynamics, grand strategy.

In this episode, we sit down with Haitham, a Palestinian content creator known for his deep dives into vexillology, geography, and history. We discuss his journey into content creation, his family's history, and the diversity of Palestinian identity. Palestinians are not a monolith—regional, political, and cultural differences shape their perspectives, yet their shared struggle binds them. We discuss the vision of a borderless, united Levant, breaking down colonial divisions and reimagining a future beyond imposed borders. We also break down Trump’s latest statements on Gaza, the idea of resettlement in neighboring countries, and the global fight for Palestinian self-determination.

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tags:

Palestine, Gaza, Middle East, History, Political Discussion, Refugees, Content Creation, Vexillology, Geography, Oral History, Memory Politics, US Foreign Policy, Annexation, West Bank, Israeli Occupation, Palestinian Identity, Displacement, Colonialism, Resistance, Mo Amer, Mo, Netflix, Storytelling, Diaspora, Nationalism, Borders, Zionism, Settler Colonialism, Apartheid, War Crimes, Human Rights, Media Representation, Political Theory, Imperialism, Military Occupation, Ethnic Cleansing, State Violence, Settlements, Peace Process, Forced Migration, Liberation, Statelessness, Indigenous Rights, Exile, Advocacy, Documentary, Geopolitics, Conflict, UN, International Law, Sovereignty, Land Theft, Social Media, YouTube Creators, Palestinian Creators, War and Memory, Truth and Reconciliation, Intifada, Humanitarian Crisis, Arab Solidarity, Resistance Movements, Political Philosophy, Podcast, Current Events, Global Politics, Arab Nationalism, Islam and Politics, Anti-Colonialism, Journalism, Propaganda, Media Bias, Alternative Media, Cultural Identity, Justice, War and Peace, Settler Violence, Activism, US Middle East Policy, West Bank Stories, Nationhood, Political Violence, Economic Warfare, Psychological Warfare, Palestine Liberation, Gaza Under Siege, US-Israel Relations, Neocolonialism, Middle East Studies, Border Politics, Stateless People, American Imperialism, Checkpoints, Grassroots Movements, Settler Myths, Historical Narratives, Political Memory, War and Society, National Narratives, Foreign Interventions, Cold War Legacy, Power Politics, The Right of Return, Military Occupation Tactics, Postcolonial Studies, Solidarity Movements, Genocide, Stateless Communities, Nation-Building, Military-Industrial Complex, Economic Sanctions, Diplomatic Manipulation, Think Tank Influence, Cultural Genocide, Humanitarian Law, Political Autonomy, Regional Stability, Media Narratives, Decolonization, Global South, Political Alliances, Human Rights Abuses, Intelligence Agencies, Psychological Operations, Soft Power, Diplomatic Hypocrisy, International Law Violations, UN Resolutions, Arms Trade, Foreign Aid Politics, Proxy Wars, Economic Exploitation, American Hegemony, Redrawing Borders, Jordan and Palestine, Egypt and Gaza, Syria and Refugees, Censorship, Political Myths, Historical Lies, Ethnic Nationalism, Nation-State Ideologies, Migration Policies, Alternative History, Suppressed Voices, Transnational Solidarity, The Future of Gaza, Israeli Settlements, Two-State Solution, One-State Solution, Post-War Reconstruction, The Failure of Diplomacy, The Business of War, Ethical Journalism, Revolutionary Movements, The War on Information, Political Corruption, Disrupting Power Structures, Palestinian Oral Histories, Self-Determination, Media Blackouts, The Weaponization of Aid, Israel’s Influence in Washington, The Limits of International Law, Grassroots Media, Youth Activism, Solidarity Protests, Online Activism, The Weaponization of Memory, Intellectual Resistance, The Role of Culture in Resistance, Global Imperialism, The Rise of Right-Wing Zionism, Breaking the Silence, Western Media Bias, The Politics of Recognition, The Next Generation of Palestinian Voices

Had a thought-provoking conversation with a fellow Syrian, Elijah and a Palestinian, Jadd. Coming from diverse backgrounds we discussed a Pan-Levantine vision for the region.

Through personal stories and insightful commentary, we explore the shared histories and interconnected struggles of Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and beyond. We highlight the importance of unity amidst diversity, offering nuanced perspectives on regional politics, culture, and resistance. Join the conversation as we analyze current events, reflect on the past, and envision a future rooted in solidarity and mutual respect.

Tags:

Pan Levantine, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Middle East, unity in diversity, regional news, political discussion, cultural identity, resistance narratives, shared histories, ethnic diversity, religious diversity, Levant, Arab world, solidarity, political analysis, historical context, current events, social justice, human rights, regional cooperation, coexistence, refugee issues, diaspora, national identity, freedom, occupation, liberation, self-determination, community voices, storytelling, activism, cultural heritage, borders, geopolitics, peacebuilding, reconciliation, civil society, advocacy, grassroots movements, cross-cultural dialogue, Arab unity, Middle Eastern politics, Arab identity, Levantine culture, inclusivity, interfaith dialogue, history of the Levant, colonial legacy, anti-imperialism, youth voices, pan-Arabism, Arab Spring, political struggles, nationalism, resistance movements, cultural exchange, transnational solidarity, political history, social movements, ethnic coexistence, regional challenges, collective memory, reconciliation efforts, cultural resilience, inter-ethnic dialogue, shared struggles, decolonization, political resistance, social cohesion, generational narratives, personal testimonies, historical awareness, political oppression, cultural preservation, social transformation, non-violence, inclusive politics, identity politics, cultural revival, transnational activism, cultural awareness, marginalized voices, intersectionality, societal healing, Levantine history, political empowerment, civil rights, conflict resolution, transborder connections, cultural diversity, political reforms, peace initiatives, Arab culture, Levantine identity, political representation, freedom of speech, cultural expression, human rights advocacy, cultural connections, resistance to oppression, social change, collective action, reconciliation dialogue, regional integration, political engagement, social inclusion, anti-colonialism, cultural diplomacy, freedom narratives, political autonomy, Arab resilience, political narratives, historical dialogue, conflict transformation, Levantine unity, equality, social justice movements, resilience, freedom struggles, anti-oppression, political justice, cultural dialogue, Levantine pride, regional solidarity, Middle Eastern heritage, regional identity, interreligious harmony, Middle Eastern unity, Arab political thought, inclusive narratives, community leadership, shared cultural heritage, diversity in unity, Middle Eastern diaspora, hope for the region, borderless solidarity, transformative dialogue, justice, Levantine perspective, grassroots voices, Levantine heritage, interregional cooperation, cultural pride, liberation struggles, intersectional justice, cross-border connections, Levantine solidarity, community empowerment, cultural bridges, historical connections, regional voices, inclusive governance, Middle Eastern future, shared visions, identity, historical struggle, peace and justice, solidarity networks, Levantine voices, intercommunity connections, regional unity, transnational justice, historical resistance, social solidarity, cultural storytelling, generational wisdom, political advocacy, civil rights movements, cultural integration, human resilience, cross-community efforts, political awakening, Levantine politics, shared aspirations, cultural outreach, Levantine storytelling, regional harmony, unity in difference, regional perspectives, coexistence movements, political voices, hope for unity, transformative change, regional collaboration.