Insurgency in Syria; South Korea's Political Chaos; Pope Creates 21

Summary

Up First from NPR – December 7, 2024

In this episode of NPR’s "Up First," listeners are brought up to speed with three major global stories: the escalating insurgency in Syria, the political turmoil engulfing South Korea, and Pope Francis’s strategic elevation of 21 new cardinals. Hosted by Alyssa Nadworny and Ayesha Rascoe, the episode delves deep into each topic, offering comprehensive analysis and expert insights to provide a nuanced understanding of these critical issues.

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1. Escalating Insurgency in Syria: Rebels Advance Toward Homs

[00:03-06:17]
The long-standing Syrian civil war has entered a new and volatile phase as rebel forces intensify their offensive towards the strategically vital city of Homs. According to Alyssa Nadworny and Ayesha Rascoe, Syrian insurgents have successfully captured five towns in less than two weeks, signaling a significant shift in the conflict dynamics.

Jane Araf, reporting from the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, highlights the rapid progression of the offensive:

“The speed and the pace of this offensive is astonishing. Opposition fighters are just a few miles from the gates of the capital, Damascus.” [02:29]

The rebels' advance could potentially isolate regime strongholds in critical coastal areas like Latakia and Tartus, which are essential for President Bashar al-Assad’s support from Russia. Jane Araf notes Russia's limited response, indicating a possible strategic withdrawal as Russian warships pull back, diminishing their influence on the ground. Despite continued airstrikes supporting Assad, the Russian commitment appears less robust compared to previous engagements.

“Russia is still launching airship strikes in support of the Syrian government, but it doesn't seem able or willing to devote the resources it has in the past.” [03:39]

The implications of this insurgency are profound, particularly for Iran, a key ally of the Assad regime. Muaz Mustafa, director of the U.S.-based Syrian Emergency Task Force, emphasizes the strategic loss for Iran:

“These territorial losses are of huge significance to Iran, which has used Syria as a corridor to send weapons and fighters to Lebanon and Iraq.” [04:10]

Furthermore, the potential fall of the Assad regime raises humanitarian concerns, especially regarding the plight of refugees. With over five million Syrians displaced during the civil war, there is hope among the diaspora for repatriation and reconstruction:

“If it were safe enough and they could rebuild their homes, many of them would return to Syria tomorrow.” [05:54]

Jane Araf encapsulates the gravity of the situation:

“For the opposition, it seems like the first time in a decade that there's a real chance of building a new Syria.” [05:45]

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2. South Korea’s Political Turmoil: President Faces Impeachment Amid Martial Law Declaration

[06:26-10:00]
South Korea is currently experiencing unprecedented political upheaval following President Yoon Sung Yeol’s declaration of martial law. This dramatic move has ignited fierce opposition in the National Assembly, with lawmakers swiftly reversing the order and initiating impeachment proceedings against the president.

Anthony Kuhn, NPR’s correspondent in Seoul, provides an on-the-ground perspective:

“I spoke to a 60-year-old retired teacher named Liin Sohn. She said, seeing martial law declared this week, all the nightmares from that time came back. I couldn't sleep and was speechless for days.” [07:16-07:23]

The president’s attempt to impose martial law was ostensibly to counteract what he described as obstruction by the opposition and to address corruption scandals involving himself and his wife. However, opposition lawmakers accuse Yoon of overstepping by attempting to use military authority to arrest top officials, actions that should fall outside the purview of martial law.

“Yoon said he declared it because the opposition was blocking his bills, dogging him and his wife over corruption scandals.” [08:35-08:40]

Despite an initial apology from President Yoon for the maneuver, he did not concede any wrongdoing, leaving the impeachment process in a precarious state. The ruling party's boycott of the parliamentary vote has stalled the proceedings, as a quorum was not met and the opposition lacks the necessary two-thirds majority to enforce an immediate impeachment.

“While the opposition parties have a majority in parliament, they don't have a two-thirds majority, so they couldn't have a valid vote.” [06:49-06:55]

Public sentiment is overwhelmingly against President Yoon, with polls indicating that 70% of South Koreans favor his impeachment. Massive protests have erupted, reminiscent of the 1980s when South Korea was under military rule, demonstrating the country's deep political polarization.

“This feeling of returning to the 80s, the rage was unbearable.” [07:27-07:30]

Anthony Kuhn highlights the broader implications for South Korea’s relationship with the United States:

“South Korea may be consumed, possibly for months, with defending its own Democratic Order.” [09:11-09:14]

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3. Pope Francis’s Strategic Elevation: 21 New Cardinals Shape the Future of the Catholic Church

[10:00-13:46]
In a significant move to globalize and diversify the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has appointed 21 new cardinals spanning six continents. This strategic appointment aims to shift the Vatican’s focus from its traditionally Western stronghold to a more inclusive and representative global institution.

Claire Giangravet, NPR’s collaborator from Religion News Service, reports on the backgrounds and significance of the newly appointed cardinals:

“These men come from six different continents. Some represent very small Catholic communities from places like Japan and Serbia and Iran. It really is to show that Pope Francis wants to move the center of power in the Vatican away from the west and more towards a globalized church.” [10:26-10:54]

The newly minted cardinals embody a spirit of underdog representation, advocating for marginalized groups and progressive church teachings. For instance, a 44-year-old Ukrainian bishop, the youngest cardinal in the College of Cardinals, passionately spoke about the need for peace in Ukraine:

“I hope that this position will help me speak to the pope about what needs to be done to bring peace.” [11:00-11:09]

Similarly, the Chilean bishop of Palestinian origin emphasized resolving the conflict in Gaza, reflecting the cardinals’ commitment to global peace and inclusivity. Timothy Radcliffe, a Dominican friar sidelined for decades, was also elevated, underscoring Pope Francis’s dedication to fostering a more open and welcoming church:

“It really reflects what kind of vision Pope Francis has for the future of the church.” [11:50-11:53]

Under Pope Francis, the role of cardinals has undergone a transformation. Gone are the days when cardinals were seen as the infallible princes of the church, insulated from accountability. Instead, Pope Francis is urging these new cardinals to actively engage with their communities and address contemporary challenges.

“The pope has taken to delivering a finger wagging speech to the cardinals, telling them that this is not a time for them to settle down and relax.” [13:06-13:14]

This shift not only reinforces Pope Francis’s legacy but also ensures that the College of Cardinals remains dynamic and responsive to the diverse needs of the 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. By empowering cardinals from various backgrounds, the Vatican is poised to navigate the complexities of modernity with a more inclusive and representative leadership.

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Conclusion

This episode of "Up First" masterfully navigates through the tumultuous landscapes of Syria, South Korea, and the Vatican, providing listeners with a detailed and engaging analysis of each story. From the shifting power dynamics in Syria and the intense political strife in South Korea, to the transformative changes within the Catholic Church, NPR delivers a comprehensive roundup of the news that shapes our world. With expert reporting and poignant quotes, the episode ensures that listeners are well-informed and deeply connected to the unfolding global events.

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For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates, subscribe to Up First+ at plus.npr.org/upfirst and support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Transcript

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Syrian rebels are gaining momentum as they push their way towards the city of Homs.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Government forces were unable to stop the insurgents from taking five towns in less than two weeks.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

I'm Alyssa Nadworny.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

And I'm Ayesha Rascoe. And this is up first from NPR News. Syrian forces are battling to keep insurgents out of the strategically crucial city of Homs. We'll have the latest developments on this story.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Plus, in South Korea, political chaos after the president declared martial law.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

He's now facing calls to resign as lawmakers fight over whether to impeach him. We'll have the latest from Seoul.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Plus, Pope Francis promotes 21 men to the Catholic Church's College of Cardinals.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Stay with us. We have the news you need to start your weekend.

[Fernando Narrow]

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[Anthony Kuhn]

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[Alyssa Nadworny]

Started in the long running Syrian civil war after a coalition of rebel forces took several key cities.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

They haven't faced much opposition from government forces until today as they fight to make their way to the city of homs, less than 90 miles away from the capital, Damascus.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

NPR's Jane Araf is in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq near the Syrian border. Good morning, Jane.

[Jane Araf]

Good morning, Alyssa.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

So since this offensive started some two weeks ago, we've seen developments on the ground moving at a lightning pace. What's the latest?

[Jane Araf]

Well, the speed and the pace of this offensive is astonishing. A monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights now says that opposition fighters are just a few miles from the gates of the capital, Damascus. They earlier took Dara province, which was the start of the uprising that led to civil war more than a decade ago. And they appear close to be taking the majority city of Homs, which would allow the opposition to isolate regime forces in coastal areas Latakia and Tartus, which are key to President Bashar al Assad's support.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

You just mentioned Tartus, where Russia has one of its few foreign bases. What is Russia doing at the moment?

[Jane Araf]

Well, it appears to be pulling out its warships. According to US Military sources, it propped up the Syrian regime the last time that the government faced a much more limited threat. And Russia is still launching airship strikes in support of the Syrian government, but it doesn't seem able or willing to devote the resources it has in the past.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

So I guess the big question here has to be if this insurgency could result in the fall of the Assad regime, and if that happens, what would that mean for Iran?

[Jane Araf]

So when The Syrian regime 10 years ago lost control of Aleppo, the major city, Russia and Iran helped retake it. But they're both now in much weaker positions because they're fighting other conflicts. Muaz Mustafa, who is an ally activist, the director of the U. S. Based Syrian emergency task Force, says these territorial losses we're seeing are of huge significance to Iran, which has used Syria as a corridor to send weapons and fighters to Lebanon and Iraq.

[Claire Giangravet]

It is the fact that Iran has.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Lost its logistical hub in the Middle East.

[Claire Giangravet]

It has lost its connection of Tehran.

[Anthony Kuhn]

And Baghdad to Beirut or Damascus or the border of Jordan or the border.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Of the Golden Heights or the border of Israel.

[Jane Araf]

So there are a lot of borders there, as you can see. And while speaking, Mustafa was getting calls from other activists who have been working for years for this moment and what they Hope will follow. 13 years of gathering opposition forces, getting international support, building cases of war crimes against Syrian officials. You know, in this region, Syria for centuries has been considered sort of the beast of the Middle East. And between the civil war, the Syrian regime actions and sanctions, the country has been shattered. So for the opposition, it seems like the first time in a decade that there's a real chance of building a new Syria. But, Alyssa, to do that, obviously they'll have to include regime supporters and what is still a divided opposition.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

So refugees are obviously a huge concern here. Five million people fled Syria during the civil war. Would some of these Syrians go back in the event of a regime change.

[Jane Araf]

Yeah. You know, a generation has been born as refugees outside their own country. And right now their families are glued to their phones watching news coverage showing split screens. With the rebel advances, if it were safe enough and they could rebuild their homes, many of them would return to syria tomorrow.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

That's NPR's Jane Aroff. Jane, thank you so much.

[Jane Araf]

Thank you.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

There's unprecedented political upheaval in South Korea this week, which started with the president declaring martial law.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

The parliament immediately reversed that order and threatened to impeach the president. But whether they can succeed with impeachment is unclear. NPR's Anthony Kuhn joins us from Seoul with the latest. Good morning.

[Anthony Kuhn]

Hi, Alyssa.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

So update us on this impeachment effort.

[Anthony Kuhn]

Well, ruling party lawmakers, that's the president's party, boycotted the vote. So the parliament did not get a quorum of 200, 300 lawmakers. And although the opposition parties have a majority in parliament, they don't have a two thirds majority, so they couldn't have a valid vote. Opposition lawmakers say they're going to keep trying, keep submitting impeachment bills until one of them passes, but this one is pretty much finished.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

You were in parliament today. What was it like?

[Anthony Kuhn]

I couldn't make it in. I was struggling to get through the massive crowds outside. Organizers estimated a million people there. Police put it at less than 150,000. It certainly reminded everybody of 20 when there were huge protests and South Korea's first female president, Park Geun Hye, was impeached and later jailed on corruption charges. Many of the people I spoke there with said they felt that they owed it to themselves and to their families and to history to be there. I spoke to a 60 year old retired teacher named Liin Sohn. And when she was a college student in the 1980s, students who protested against the then military government were often arrested, beaten and tortured. And here's what she said. She said, seeing martial law declared this week, all the nightmares from that time came back. I couldn't sleep and I was speechless for days. I became a teacher later and I think I've had a comfortable life since and that times have changed. But this feeling of returning to the 80s, the rage was unbearable. We should note that Yoon supporters, President Yoon Sung Yeol's supporters were also out there holding their demonstrations. And that's a reminder that the country is politically deeply divided and polarized.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Yeah. Anthony, what have lawmakers been saying about the president declaring martial law on Tuesday night?

[Anthony Kuhn]

Well, they say that martial law is supposed to be declared in case of emergencies like war or natural disasters. Yoon said he declared it because the opposition was blocking his bills, dogging him and his wife over corruption scandals. And opposition lawmakers say he tried to use the military to arrest top lawmakers, which you can't do under martial law. Earlier today, President Yoon apologized for trying to impose martial law, and he said he wouldn't try it again, but he didn't admit to doing anything illegal.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

What does this political uncertainty mean for the relationship between South Korea and the.

[Anthony Kuhn]

U.S. well, it looks like Yoon is going to keep his job for now, but his problem is that polls in South Korea show that 70% of the people think he should be impeached. And so it's highly likely that large scale protests will continue. Now, the US Counts on South Korea for many things. Investment in trade, dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue, and it generally sees South Korea as an ally that helps it to promote democracy and defend the liberal international order. But South Korea may be consumed, possibly for months, with defending its own Democratic Order.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

NPR's Anthony Kuhn in Seoul, thanks for your reporting on this political chaos.

[Anthony Kuhn]

You're welcome, Alyssa.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Pope Francis is carrying out a major batch of promotions.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

He's created 21 new cardinals. But who are these new cardinals, and how will they help shape or reshape the Catholic Church under Pope Francis?

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Claire Giangravais covers the Vatican, and her work is produced through a collaboration between NPR and Religion News Service. Good morning, Claire.

[Claire Giangravet]

Hello.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

So what can you tell us about these 21 men?

[Claire Giangravet]

First of all, these men come from six different continents. Some represent very small Catholic communities from places like Japan and Serbia and Iran. It really is to show that Pope Francis wants to move the center of power in the Vatican away from the west and more towards a globalized church that can represent 1.3 billion believers around the world.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Hmm. I understand that you've had a chance to talk to some of the latest cardinals. What did you learn about their backgrounds?

[Claire Giangravet]

Well, the Vatican invited journalists to meet six of the new cardinals on Friday. And what really struck me is that these men are really representing the underdogs, not just in the political spectrum, but also when it comes to church teaching. For example, I spoke to a bishop born in Ukraine who at 44 is going to be the youngest cardinal of the College of Cardinals. And this likely means that he'll see plenty of conclaves. He made an impassioned speech for the plight of the Ukrainian people and how much he hopes that this position will help him speak to the pope about what needs to be done to bring peace. The same can be said to the Chilean bishop of Palestinian origins who was made a cardinal. And he also talked about how much there is a need to come to a solution in Gaza and bring peace and resolution to the conflict there. And talk about underdog. The Dominican friar Timothy Radcliffe was basically sidelined for 50 years of his ministry where he challenged church teaching on inclusivity and welcoming towards marginalized groups and especially women or LGBTQ Catholics. And it really reflects what kind of vision Pope Francis has for the future of the church.

[Anthony Kuhn]

Yeah.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

So what is that vision like? How has the role of being a cardinal changed under Pope Francis? What's different now?

[Claire Giangravet]

Well, Pope Francis has remade the College of Cardinals. This is the 10th time in his papacy that he adds new members to the crop. At this point, he has selected the majority of people who will decide who his successor is. 80%, in fact. It's a way for him to cement his legacy. But he has also changed dramatically what it means to be a cardinal in the Catholic Church. Once upon a time, they were considered princes of the church. They had comfy lodgings and they couldn't be fired or tried if they did something wrong. That's no longer true under Pope Francis. In fact, during the Mass that Pope Francis usually does after a consistory, and.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

The consistory is the ceremony where they become new cardinals, is that right?

[Claire Giangravet]

Yes. Correct. The pope has taken to delivering a finger wagging speech to the cardinals, telling them that this is not a time for them to settle down and relax. In fact, it's a moment for them to really come forward and be of service to their communities and represents the needs of this incredibly diverse and growing reality that is the Catholic Church.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

That's RNS Vatican correspondent, Claire Giangravet. Claire, thank you.

[Claire Giangravet]

Thank you so much, Alyssa.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

And that's up first for Saturday, December 7th. I'm Alyssa Nadworny.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

And I'm Aisha Rascoe.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Our producer is Fernando Narrow with help from Martin Patience and Andrew Craig.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

Our director is Michael Radcliffe.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Our editors are Dee Parvez, Ed McNulty, Shannon Rhodes, James Hyder and Miguel Macias.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

J. Siz is our technical director with engineering support from Zach Coleman, David Greenberg and Arthur Holliday. Laurent.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Evie Stone is our senior supervising editor. Sara. Lucy Oliver is our executive producer.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

And Jim Cain is our deputy managing editor.

[Alyssa Nadworny]

Tomorrow on the Sunday Story from Up first, the federal government launched a program to support the poorest elderly and Disabled Americans in 1972. Supplemental Security Income is a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable Americans. But outdated rules have damaged the efficacy of what was supposed to be a social safety net.

[Ayesha Rascoe]

And for more news, interviews, sports and music, you can tune into Weekend Edition on your radio. Go to stations.NPR.org to find your local NPR station.

[Fernando Narrow]

Want to hear this podcast without sponsor breaks? Amazon prime members can listen to Up First Sponsor free through Amazon Music, or you can also support NPR's vital journalism and get up first [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org this message comes from NPR sponsor Merrill. Whatever your financial goals are, you want a straightforward path there. But the real world doesn't usually work that way. Merrill understands that. That's why with a dedicated Merrill advisor, you get a personalized plan and a clear path forward. Go to ML.combullish to learn more. Merrill, a Bank of America company what would you like the power to do? Investing involves risk Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Inc. Registered broker dealer Registered investment advisor Member, SIPC this message comes from Warby Parker. What makes a great pair of glasses at Warby Parker? It's all the invisible extras without the extra cost, like free adjustments for life. Find your [e-mail] or visit one of their hundreds of stores around.