The Globalist — Syria: One Year After Assad's Fall (Dec 8, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of The Globalist (Monocle Radio) marks the first anniversary of the end of the Assad regime in Syria, analyzing the nation’s bumpy road to recovery, ongoing political fragmentation, the mood on the ground, and international diplomatic developments. The program features direct reporting from Damascus, expert insights, and perspectives from those experiencing Syria’s transformation firsthand. In addition, the episode covers major news stories across Asia and Europe and delves into evolving entertainment and business headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thailand–Cambodia Border Conflict (03:10–08:57)

• James Chambers (Bangkok) reports on renewed violence along the Thailand–Cambodia border after a ceasefire reportedly brokered by Donald Trump just a month prior.
  • Thai government reports casualties and retaliatory airstrikes, targeting military sites including a casino allegedly used for drone attacks.
  • Cambodian side claims Thais initiated the conflict, reporting injuries but denying retaliation.
  • Underlying tension: Beyond the border dispute, illicit "scam centers" in Cambodia are a major concern, with allegations of Thai politicians being implicated.
• Notable Quote:
  • “There’s more to this than just this old, old border dispute. There's a secondary part, a story ... to do with all of these scam centers that are in Cambodia.” — James Chambers (07:18)

2. Syria: Anniversary Reflections and Difficult Recovery (09:07–16:36)

Segment Highlights:

• Heidi Pett (Damascus-Based Investigative Journalist) describes the mood of jubilation across the country, with fireworks and flag-waving marking one year since Bashar al-Assad’s departure.

  • Yet, beneath the celebration, many Syrians face hardship:
    • Minorities like the Alawites have complicated feelings, given recent sectarian violence.
    • Economic difficulties and slow reforms toward justice and dignity fuel discontent.
  • Heidi interviews Shadi Haroun, a former political prisoner, now with the International Center for Transitional Justice.
    • He expresses both hope and skepticism about the pace and depth of accountability and reconciliation.
    • Memorable insights: For victims and survivors, justice is still elusive despite regime change.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • (On celebrations after years of war)
    “To enjoy fireworks, you would have had to have lived a different kind of life. And that just doesn't seem true for Syrians. Their love for fireworks remains undimmed.” — Heidi Pett (10:27)

  • (On transitional justice)
    “It was an amazing year with hope, but also as a victim, as a survivor, the effect of absence of justice on our community… A year of hope for justice, for dignity, for citizenship, and also [a] year of fighting to save our narrative.” — Shadi Haroun (12:39)

  • (On what celebrating means)
    “It's not just like to rebuild the country. It also like we have the right to have a good Syria, to have a just Syria. So this is what celebration means to me, actually, to my family.” — Shadi Haroun (13:36)

• Political Landscape:

  • Despite Ahmed Al Sharra’s international legitimacy, Syria remains politically fractured:
    • Kurdish-controlled NE region, intent on keeping autonomous institutions and banning regime anniversary celebrations.
    • Druze populations in the South assert independence and distrust Damascus.
    • Incidents of Israeli involvement were noted.
  • Notable Analysis: Heidi Pett draws attention to continuing factional divides and mistrust, especially as minorities guard autonomy and are wary of rapid reunification.

3. Hong Kong Local Elections & Tower Fires (16:47–21:59)

• Tom Grundy (Hong Kong Free Press) describes elections overshadowed by security clampdowns and grief following deadly high-rise fires (159 dead, 30+ missing).
  • Political context: Pro-democracy candidates excluded; only pre-vetted ‘patriots’ allowed to run.
  • Turnout drops further to 31.9%, echoing a disengaged, wary public.
  • Signs of dissent: Record blank ballots—symbolic protest.
  • Authorities’ response: Extensive campaigns to drive turnout, but civil society’s response muted due to intense national security environment.
• Notable Quote:
  • “There is none [backlash]. It's national security for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Top to bottom, bottom to top.” — Tom Grundy (19:04)

4. European & International News Briefs (30:00–37:40)

• Zelensky in London: Ukraine’s diplomatic push for Western support.
• Louvre in Crisis: After a $100m jewel heist, a water leak damages over 300 books, symbolizing broader French malaise.
• Romanian Local Elections (31:29–37:40):
  • Bucharest elects a liberal reformer as mayor, staving off far-right influence amidst EU budget-deficit-driven austerity.
  • Analyst Alison Mutlow notes the government’s sigh of relief, the city’s urban evolution, and Romania’s challenging strategic balancing act between US/NATO and the EU.

5. Big Moves in Entertainment Industry (38:25–46:31)

• Netflix’s planned acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery analyzed by Scott Bryan (TV critic):

  • Trump raises antitrust concerns, potentially complicating the mega-deal.
  • Netflix’s motives: Boost its library (HBO hits, Harry Potter, Friends); uncertain future for HBO Max.
  • Industry worries: Unions, actors, and critics fear layoffs, decreased variety, and a “death of quality brands” (HBO, Warner).
  • Streaming & Cinema: Karen Krasanovich flags concerns about Netflix’s lack of “big screen passion” and the sidelining of theatrical releases.
  • Notable quotes:
    • “The idea is, if it's going to be much more centralized, then surely in the long term that will mean job cuts.” — Scott Bryan (42:28)
    • “Another worry is what's going to happen to HBO, which is another ... I think it's the death of quality brands.” — Karen Krasanovich (46:26)

• Oscars Preview & Cinema Trends:

  • Karen shares early Oscar contenders (“Hamnet,” “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another,” “Marty Supreme,” etc.), notes on film marketing stunts and the shrinking cinema audience, and recommends “The Baltimorons” as a Christmas watch.

6. Human-Interest Feature: Alcohol-Free Negroni from Yesi (52:07–57:24)

• Founder Nicholas Maiorelli shares the story of Yesi, an alcohol-free Italian aperitif inspired by his grandmother’s amaro recipe.
  • Emphasizes crafting a drink unique in its own right, not just a substitute.
  • Recipe flavor notes: Organic cherry, ginger, bitter orange, rhubarb, gentian, and a chili pepper extract for complexity.
  • Memorable exchange:
    • “We're really proud of the fact that we've created a base that's extremely versatile... You can drink more than two and still stand on your feet at the end of the night.” — Nicholas Maiorelli (53:41)

Notable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• James Chambers on regional tensions in Southeast Asia:
  • “Nothing new has happened to trigger this. ... What we may have is a few errant bullets sent across the border can end up in quickly end up in airstrikes being launched.” (04:52)
• Heidi Pett on Syrian postwar trauma:
  • “Pretty much everybody has PTSD. ... To enjoy fireworks, you would have had to have lived a different kind of life. And that just doesn't seem true for Syrians.” (10:27)
• Shadi Haroun on the struggle for justice in Syria:
  • “After a year of liberation, victims, families, survivors still wait a window for justice. ... This is the year, year of hope for justice, for dignity, for citizenship, and also year of fighting to save our narrative.” (12:39)
• Tom Grundy on the Hong Kong electoral climate:
  • “There is none [backlash]. It's national security for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Top to bottom, bottom to top.” (19:04)
• Scott Bryan on the Netflix/Warner merger:
  • “If it's going to be much more centralized, then surely in the long term that will mean job cuts.” (42:28)
• Karen Krasanovich on changing industry brands:
  • “I think it's the death of quality brands. HBO Max was considered a quality brand. Warner's is considered a quality brand.” (46:26)
• Nicholas Maiorelli on Yesi:
  • “We really set out to make a drink that is not a replacement for something else, but is its own unique.” (52:07)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 03:10–08:57 — Thailand–Cambodia border conflict (James Chambers)
• 09:07–16:36 — Syria, a year after Assad (Heidi Pett, with Shadi Haroun segment at 12:39)
• 16:47–21:59 — Hong Kong elections and aftermath of tower fires (Tom Grundy)
• 22:42–26:24 — European papers & commentary (Vincent McEvinney)
• 31:29–37:40 — Bucharest mayoral race (Alison Mutlow)
• 38:25–46:31 — Netflix–Warner Brothers Discovery deal & analysis (Scott Bryan, Karen Krasanovich)
• 52:07–57:24 — Yesi alcohol-free aperitif interview (Nicholas Maiorelli)

Tone & Style

• The tone is analytical yet conversational, mixing on-the-ground color from reporters like Heidi Pett with clear-headed expert commentary (e.g., on the streaming wars and international affairs).
• The show provides multiple voices and perspectives, blending celebration, skepticism, and the reality of “progress” in post-conflict or transitional societies.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

This episode is rich in firsthand perspectives and critical analysis of global events—from the tectonic shifts in Syria to local crises in Hong Kong and Europe’s continued wrestle with its past and future. If you want a nuanced take on what one year without Assad looks like for Syrians, why politics in Asia and Europe are more turbulent than headlines suggest, and how seismic changes might shape the stories you watch at the cinema or stream at home, this is the episode for you.