Charles Lister

Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, and Chay Eitan Cohen Yanarocak, a Turkish-Israeli scholar, dive deep into the complexities of the recent violence in Syria, particularly affecting the Druze community. They discuss the evolving role of Turkey under its new leadership and the implications for Israel-Turkish relations. Lister outlines concerns about Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Yanarocak sheds light on Turkey's strategic maneuvers in the region, making for a thought-provoking analysis of current geopolitical tensions.

In this discussion, Charles Lister, a seasoned expert on Syria and terrorism, shares insights from his recent trip to Damascus. He highlights the transitional government's shift towards technocratic leadership and ongoing infrastructure projects. Lister also delves into the complex relationship between Syria and the U.S., emphasizing the crucial need to repeal the Caesar Act for recovery. The talk sheds light on security challenges from ISIS and ongoing negotiations for regional stability, showing that Syria's journey towards reconstruction is far from straightforward.

In this discussion, Charles Lister, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, and Ammar Abdulhamid, a Syrian pro-democracy activist, delve into the current landscape of the Syrian conflict. They analyze the situation on the ground as rebels challenge the Assad regime and the complex roles of various factions. The conversation highlights the urgent need for support from foreign governments and the implications for women's rights and minority autonomy in a potential transition. Cautious optimism emerges for future negotiations amidst a fractured political landscape.

Charles Lister, a Syria analyst for the Middle Eastern Institute, navigates the intricacies of the shifting geopolitical landscape in Syria. He dissects the rising influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its attempts at political representation. The podcast also explores the complex alliances between Turkey, HTS, and various factions, emphasizing military shifts influenced by the Ukraine conflict. Lister highlights the ongoing chaos in northern Aleppo, challenges from ISIS, and the broader implications of international involvement on Syria’s fragile governance.

In this discussion, Charles Lister, a senior fellow and expert on Syria at the Middle East Institute, delves into the renewed intensity of the Syrian Civil War. He highlights the ongoing military offensives driven by opposition forces and the complex realities of the Assad regime's capabilities. Lister also examines the role of key players like Russia and Iran, the evolution of rebel group HTS, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the international community regarding intervention. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for a united global response to the crisis.

Charles Lister, senior fellow and head of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute, offers on-the-ground expertise. He walks through Syria’s rapid political shift and the new transitional government. He discusses the Syrian Democratic Forces’ status, negotiations to integrate forces, Turkey’s changing role, the U.S. policy pivot, and risks like detainees, displacement, and looming flashpoints.

Angus King, an Independent U.S. Senator, explains his courageous decision to vote for a bipartisan measure to end the government shutdown. Charles Lister discusses the significant implications of a historic visit from a Syrian president to the White House, weighing its impact on U.S.-Syria relations. Gabriela Oregi sheds light on the normalization of gender-based violence in Mexico, while calling for stronger legal reforms. Finally, Marion Nestle critiques the current food systems, revealing how government actions during the shutdown jeopardize nutrition for low-income families.

Join former CIA officer Mark Polymeropoulos and Charles Lister from the Middle East Institute as they dissect the intense geopolitical maneuvering in Syria. They discuss how Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Israel are all vying for influence while Syria's future hangs precariously. The guests delve into the evolving U.S. engagement and past policy mistakes, highlight the resurgence of ISIS, and explore the shifting alliances around Kurdish forces. Their insights on this 'great game' reveal a complex web of interests that could shape the region for years to come.

In a deep dive into global terrorism, Charles Lister, a Middle East Institute expert on ISIS, and Ryan O’Farrell, a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation focused on ISIS in Africa, unpack the group's alarming resurgence. They discuss the shift in ISIS tactics, rising attacks, and the dire situation in Syrian detainee camps. The conversation also highlights ISIS’s expanding influence in Africa and the challenges faced by local populations. With complex insurgent dynamics and dwindling Western support, there's a pressing need for renewed international attention.

Randa Slim is a leader in conflict resolution, while Charles Lister focuses on Syria and counterterrorism. Fatima Abo Alasrar studies Arabian Peninsula affairs. They discuss the dramatic setbacks faced by the Axis of Resistance, particularly its dynamics with Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. The impact of recent conflicts on regional alliances is examined, along with the growing challenges each group encounters. They also delve into U.S. strategies to counter this Iranian-led network, and the Houthis' alignment with the Palestinian cause highlights evolving geopolitical ambitions.