PHOTO: Civilians leaving the Bustan al-Qasr district of eastern Aleppo city


I had a full discussion with Monocle 24’s The Daily on Tuesday night about the developments in Syria’s largest city Aleppo and what is likely to happen following the departure of rebels and civilians from opposition areas.

The conversation goes beyond the Assad regime’s declaration of success to look at the devastation of the city and its people, and to consider if there will be more Aleppos in other parts of Syria — or if Russia and Iran will now rein in the regime’s pursuit of “total victory” over the opposition.

See also Analysis: After Aleppo — It’s Up to Russia and Iran

Listen from 4:14:

Let’s be very clear that what is being hailed as a victory for the Assad regime — but actually for the Russians, the Iranians, and Hezbollah — was built on the back of war crimes….

Secondly, this is not the end. Far from it: it only shifts concern to other areas. Will there be meaningful provisions to protect civilians?…

This is only the end of one chapter in what is an ongoing conflict with a number of competing sides….The rebels are not defeated, the Assad regime is almost completely dependent on foreign assistance, the Islamic State is still there, and Syrian Kurds are holding on their portion of the country.