Insurgent Resurgence: A Discussion about the Current Developments in Syria

On December 12, 2024, the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University hosted an in-depth discussion on recent developments in Syria following fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. This event analyzed the conditions leading up to the latest offensive, emphasizing the human dimension of the conflict and its broader implications for regional security.

As the leading faction in the offensive, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has once again raised questions about the composition of Syria’s insurgent groups and the strategic consequences of their resurgence. The panel delved into the identity of this hardline Islamist-dominated coalition, its evolution, its rivalry with ISIS and its ambitions, while examining the implications of its role in Syria and the broader region.

In order to discuss these matters, the Program on Extremism was honored to host:

• Alhakam Shaar, Urban sociologist, The Aleppo Project.
• Wathiq Alshallal, Political Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, Washington DC.
• Jerome Drevon, Senior analyst on Jihad and Modern Conflict, International Crisis Group

The event was moderated by Program on Extremism Senior Fellow Sergio Altuna.