Syria’s Fall and the Global Silence: A Sobering Conversation with Tim Anderson
In this powerful and urgent episode of Kianistan, I had the privilege of speaking once again with Tim Anderson—an academic and journalist renowned for his fearless critique of Western foreign policy, especially in West Asia and Latin America. Tim’s insight into the unfolding events in Syria cuts through the confusion and delivers a sobering analysis of what he calls “a US-backed terrorist takeover.”
The Collapse of Damascus
Tim wastes no time laying out the facts. On December 8th, Syria witnessed what can only be described as a rapid and stunning collapse. The HTS (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, a faction of Al-Qaeda) launched a coordinated invasion from the north—backed, according to Tim, by the USA, Turkey, and Israel.
Unlike previous offensives over the past decade, this one met little to no resistance. Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and then Damascus fell in quick succession. The Syrian Army, long embattled and exhausted, offered no substantial defense. Tim refers to it as “an ordered collapse,” with retreat likely intended to avoid a bloodbath—but at what cost?
Who Is HTS, and What Happens Now?
HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by the UN and much of the international community. The irony, as Tim points out, is that the very countries supposedly committed to fighting terrorism—namely the United States, Israel, and Turkey—are now supporting a group rooted in Al-Qaeda ideology to install a new regime in Syria.
For those who have followed the Syrian conflict for years, this moment marks a tragic turning point. The resistance, once backed by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, has now been outmaneuvered on the battlefield and in the realm of international diplomacy.
Western Complicity and Global Apathy
Tim and I discussed how shocking it is to see this happening almost in silence. No headlines, no international outrage, no meaningful UN action. A terrorist group is being legitimized and poised to form a new government in Syria—all while the Western world looks away.
This is not just about Syria. It’s about the way global power operates, how the language of “freedom” and “democracy” is used to justify regime change, and how the real victims—millions of Syrians—are caught in the crossfire of geopolitical agendas.
A Blow, But Not a Defeat
Despite the devastation, Tim emphasized a key point: this is not the end of resistance. He warns against falling into despair. While the current moment is grim, history shows that foreign-imposed governments rarely bring peace or legitimacy. The will of the Syrian people, and their allies, remains a force to be reckoned with.
Final Thoughts
This episode left me shaken, but also more resolved than ever to speak truth to power. What’s happening in Syria isn’t just a regional tragedy—it’s a global scandal. The blatant hypocrisy, the manipulation of public perception, and the exploitation of suffering for strategic gain should outrage us all.
🎧 Watch the full discussion on YouTube:
📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to keep conversations like this alive.