This is a pivotal moment in Syria, the abrupt end of a brutal dictatorship that killed and tortured thousands and terrorized Syrian society. The Assad regime also suppressed speech, and we’re now seeing a surge in independent reports on the news and social media. The big question is what happens next? And what does this change mean to the region?

In this episode, we welcome back Zaina Erhaim to share her perspective on the sudden fall of the Assad regime, and what's ahead for Syria. Zaina is an award winning Syrian journalist, who is widely recognized for her commitment to ethical reporting and amplifying marginalized voices. She began her career reporting on the civil war in Syria, but fled to the UK after both the Assad regime, and opposition forces threatened her life.

Zaina Erhaim is the managing editor of Jeem, and a communications consultant.

Note: This interview was recorded on December 22, 2024. On December 30, Syria’s transitional government appointed Maysaa Sabrine as head of the Syrian central bank, the first woman to hold the role.

Listen to our 2022 episode with Zaina Erhaim, Decolonizing international journalism

More from Zaina Erhaim on Syria after Assad:

New York Times Opinion | Al-Assad Is Gone, and One Idea Fills My Brain

New Internationalist: Where to now for Syria’s women?

Al Jazeera’s The Listening Post: Images and narratives of Syria’s historic moment

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The Making Peace Visible podcast is hosted by Jamil Simon and produced by Andrea Muraskin. Our associate producer is Faith McClure. Learn more at makingpeacevisible.org

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