They Tortured Him for Years. Now They Rule Syria.This episode features journalist Theo Padnos discussing his experience being captured and tortured by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) during the Syrian Civil War amid the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Padnos examines the psychological dynamics of jihadists, their claims of reform, and the potential implications for Syria's future under their rule. Despite the brutality he faced, he reflects on complex feelings of survival, submission, and the harsh realities facing the Syrian population, raising critical concerns about the ideological and social landscape shaped by years of violence.
- The fall of Assad's regime has opened a complex new chapter in Syria's history, bringing both opportunity for change and the risk of extremist factions, particularly HTS, leading the way.
- Understanding the intricacies of jihadist psychology and motivations is crucial for forming effective policies and responses to the evolving situation in Syria.
# Hayat Tahrir al-ShamAn Islamist militant organization in Syria with roots in al-Qaeda that claims to have reformed while continuing to hold extremist ideologies.
