Anthony Samrani, co-editor-in-chief of L'Orient-Le Jour.
Dear readers,
Just eleven days after the start of a swift offensive led by the rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and after fifty-four years of an unyielding rule, Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown this Sunday, Nov. 8.
With this unexpected collapse, the face of Syria — and that of the Middle East — is poised for significant change. Today, many questions arise. What kind of regime will the rebels establish? Will Syria manage to avoid a cycle of vengeance, particularly against minorities? How will Damascus position itself on the international stage?
In the region and beyond, a ‘post-Assad’ era begins. Iran and Hezbollah lose a key link in the ‘axis of resistance.’ Russia loses a sphere of influence and access to the Mediterranean. For others, the future remains uncertain. How far will the new regime go? Concerns are already mounting for Israelis, who announced yesterday the establishment of a buffer zone in the annexed Golan Heights. Across the border, Lebanon, too, remains on high alert.
Today, a multitude of questions demand answers. Submit yours to our co-editor-in-chief, Anthony Samrani, who will respond here on Monday, Dec. 9, at 12 p.m. Beirut time.
You can send your questions via email at the following address: livechatolj@lorientlejour.com.