Summary of "The Rest Is Classified" Episode 7: The Real Godfather: The Assassination that Shook Syria (Ep 2)
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Hosts: David McCloskey and Gordon Corera
In the seventh episode of The Rest Is Classified, titled "The Real Godfather: The Assassination that Shook Syria (Ep 2)," hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Corera delve deep into the intricate web of political intrigue, power struggles, and assassination that culminated in the murder of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Drawing compelling parallels to the iconic The Godfather film series, the hosts illuminate the dark underbelly of Syrian politics and its profound impact on the Middle East.
1. Introduction: Drawing Parallels with The Godfather
The episode opens with a dramatic reading of a scene reminiscent of The Godfather Part II, setting the tone for a narrative filled with betrayal, power plays, and the relentless pursuit of control. David McCloskey humorously admits to misquoting the film, but quickly redirects the conversation to the real-life drama unfolding in Syria and Lebanon.
Quote:
"Frankie Five Angels. And he hints at the way he can protect his family after his treachery against the Corleone family."
— David McCloskey [03:20]
2. Background: Bashar al Assad and Rafiq Hariri
The hosts provide a comprehensive background on Bashar al Assad's rise to power in Syria after succeeding his father in 2000. Initially unprepared for leadership, Assad's tenure soon mirrored the transformation of Michael Corleone from The Godfather, evolving into a ruthless leader determined to solidify his regime.
Rafiq Hariri, a prominent Lebanese businessman and politician, emerged as a significant adversary to Assad. His push for Lebanon's independence from Syrian influence posed a direct threat to Assad's "family business"—the extended Syrian control over Lebanon.
3. The Assassination of Rafiq Hariri
On February 14, 2005, a meticulously planned car bomb targeting Hariri's convoy devastated Beirut, resulting in Hariri's death and numerous casualties. The assassination was executed with chilling precision, employing around 1,200 kilograms of plastic explosives and TNT.
Detailed Timeline:
- Morning of February 14, 2005: Hariri attends a parliamentary session and engages in meetings at Cafe de la Toile.
- Afternoon: As Hariri's convoy returns via the seaside route, Hezbollah operatives surveil the convoy, preparing for the attack.
- Explosion: A white Mitsubishi van containing the explosives suddenly detonates, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Notable Details:
- The explosion was so powerful that it mimicked the sonic boom of an Israeli jet, leaving a crater approximately 3 meters deep and 10 meters wide.
- Hariri's identity was confirmed through forensic evidence, including his fingernails and remnants of his tie.
Quote:
"The bomb was made of about 1200 kilograms of plastic explosive and TNT."
— Gordon Corera [25:47]
4. Immediate Aftermath and International Response
The immediate fallout saw widespread condemnation and a swift international response. A UN Commission was established to investigate the assassination, swiftly implicating Syrian authorities. The report suggested Syrian involvement, though over the years, Hezbollah's role became more apparent.
Massive demonstrations erupted in Lebanon, galvanizing public sentiment against Syria's prolonged occupation. These protests, coupled with international pressure, led to an unprecedented development: Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon after nearly three decades of dominance.
Quote:
"The fingers just get pointed"
— Gordon Corera [29:13]
5. Political Implications and Assad's Consolidation of Power
The assassination significantly destabilized the Syrian regime's hold both regionally and domestically. While externally, Syria faced immense geopolitical pressure, internally, Assad leveraged the chaos to consolidate his power, eliminating threats within his own ranks.
One pivotal figure in this power play was Ghazi Kanaan, a long-standing Syrian official in Lebanon. Following Hariri's death, Kanaan found himself entangled in the regime's tightening grip, ultimately succumbing to immense pressure reminiscent of Frankie Five Angels from The Godfather.
Quote:
"Ghazi Kanan is Frankie Five Angels... Bashar has killed Hariri months earlier."
— Gordon Corera [34:33]
6. The Godfather Parallel: Assad as Michael Corleone
A central theme of the episode is the comparison between Bashar al Assad and Michael Corleone, the fictional mafia boss from The Godfather saga. Initially perceived as a more diplomatic and modern leader, Assad's actions post-Hariri's assassination exposed his underlying ruthlessness and strategic brutality, much like Michael Corleone's transformation.
Key Parallels:
- Assassination and Power Consolidation: Hariri’s murder served as a catalyst for Assad to eliminate other opposition figures, solidifying his grip on power.
- Elimination of the Old Guard: Assad's strategic removal of established officials like Ghazi Kanaan mirrors Corleone's removal of betrayers.
- Transformation into a Ruthless Leader: The episode portrays Assad's evolution into a leader willing to resort to extreme measures to maintain control, akin to Michael Corleone's descent into darkness.
Quote:
"I think that it's possible that he actually is Michael... sort of the devastated kind of shell."
— Gordon Corera [40:17]
7. Conclusion: The Rise and Fall of a Mafia State
As the episode draws to a close, McCloskey and Corera reflect on Assad's trajectory—from a leader under international scrutiny to a figure entrenched in mafia-like politics. The assassination of Hariri not only altered the political landscape of Lebanon but also intensified Assad's internal consolidation, paving the way for the eventual decline and fall of his regime.
The hosts ponder Assad's legacy, questioning the personal costs of his power-driven decisions and the hollow victories achieved through violence and suppression. Drawing the final comparisons to Michael Corleone's isolation and downfall, they underscore the tragic arc of a leader consumed by his quest for power.
Final Quote:
"It's an amazing story and a fascinating way to understand, I think, you know, Syria and Bashar al Assad."
— Tom [38:32]
Key Takeaways
- Assassination as a Turning Point: Hariri's murder was pivotal in reshaping Lebanese politics and diminishing Syrian influence.
- Parallels to Fiction: The Godfather analogy provides a compelling framework to understand Assad's rise and eventual consolidation of power.
- Regime Dynamics: Internal power struggles and elimination of opposition were crucial in maintaining Assad's control over Syria.
- Geopolitical Impact: The events surrounding Hariri's assassination had far-reaching implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics, highlighting the fragile interplay between national ambitions and international pressures.
This episode of The Rest Is Classified masterfully intertwines historical events with cinematic narratives, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the complexities of Syrian politics and the enduring impact of political assassinations.