The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

What happens when a tyrant flees

On Sunday Morning the sound of gunfire filled the air in Damascus. The noise, not of fighting, but celebrations. President Bashar al-Assad and his family had fled to Russia. A family which ruled for more than 50 years, brought down by a rebel offensive which had begun less than two weeks earlier.  Kate Lamble is joined by Rajan Menon, Marcel Dirsus, and John Jenkins to discuss what's next for Syria, Assad, and the wider region. Read: <a href="https://www.newstatesman.com/world/middle-east/2024/12/the-fall-of-assad-represents-a-revolution-in-the-middle-east-syria" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The fall of Assad represents a revolution in the Middle East</a>, by Rajan Menon; <a href="https://www.newstatesman.com/international-politics/2024/12/bashar-al-assad-will-find-no-peace-in-moscow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bashar al-Assad will find no peace in Moscow</a>, by Marcel Dirsus; <a href="https://www.newstatesman.com/world/middle-east/2024/12/syria-crucible-assad-putin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Syrian crucible</a>, by John Jenkins Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Reporting and analysis to help you understand the forces shaping the world - with Andrew Marr, Hannah Barnes, Kate Lamble and Tom Gatti, plus New Statesman writers and expert contributors. WEEKLY SCHEDULE Monday: CultureTom Gatti explores what cultural moments reveal about society and the world. Wednesday: InsightOne story, zoomed out to help you understand the forces shaping the world. Hosted by Kate Lamble. Thursday: PoliticsAndrew Marr and Hannah Barnes are joined by regulars Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton, plus New Statesman writers and guests, to provide expert analysis of the latest in UK politics. Friday: You Ask UsOur weekly listener questions show, with Andrew Marr, Hannah Barnes and New Statesman writers.Submit your questions at https://www.newstatesman.com/youaskus -- New Statesman subscribers can listen ad-free on the New Statesman app.Get your first two months' subscription for just £2 at https://www.newstatesman.com/save Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.