ROAD TO DAMASCUS WAS ALWAYS PAVED WITH BITTER IRONY
The New Indian Express|December 09, 2024
The coming years will reveal whether the Syrian people can resist the forces of disintegration and reclaim the nation. Can they unify despite the pulls of Big Power politics?
WAIEL AWWAD
ROAD TO DAMASCUS WAS ALWAYS PAVED WITH BITTER IRONY

IT is business as usual for global powers, where the interests of smaller nations find no room in the grand chessboard of geopolitics. Terrorism—once condemned universally-seems to have found a revival as a covert instrument to serve political ends.

This is not coincidental. It stems from a calculated effort to destabilize regions, weaken adversaries, and maintain influence in contested areas. The cost is borne by the innocent, with nations caught in the crossfire struggling to secure their sovereignty in an increasingly volatile world.

As this trend gains momentum, it raises critical questions about accountability, morality, and the long-term consequences of weaponizing terror. Who truly benefits from this game of destruction?

The rise of jihadist culture in Afghanistan was no accident; it was a deliberate construct born out of geopolitical maneuvering during the Cold War. In the late 1970s and 1980s, this ideology was fostered to resist the Soviet invasion.

The nurturing of jihadist factions created a fertile ground for the spread of fundamentalism. This move, aimed at toppling the USSR, had unintended long-term consequences. The extremist groups that emerged did not dissolve with the Soviet withdrawal.

The ideological and logistical support provided during that era laid the foundation for movements that would later fuel global terrorism.

The dismantling of Al Qaeda's core leadership led to the death of many of its operatives, while others managed to escape and establish new extremist networks in their homelands. The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 provided fertile ground for them to regroup and rally supporters under the guise of resisting occupation.

Syria played a critical role as a training hub for fighters destined to battle US forces in Iraq. The porous borders allowed the free flow of Salafists, Takfiris, and other extremist elements who used the region to prepare for their operations.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express dergisinin December 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express dergisinin December 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Wake-up call
The New Indian Express

Wake-up call

Actor Thambi Ramaiah on the importance of making films that promote moral values, working with his son Umapathi, his bond with Samuthirakani, and more

time-read
2 dak  |
December 12, 2024
'I fled Iran because I have more stories to tell'
The New Indian Express

'I fled Iran because I have more stories to tell'

..saysS Mohammad Rasoulof, an Iranian filmmaker living in exile in Germany, whose latest work, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, represents his adopted country at the Oscars

time-read
4 dak  |
December 12, 2024
Paul Mescal to play Paul McCartney?
The New Indian Express

Paul Mescal to play Paul McCartney?

In a conversation with Christopher Nolan at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, Scott confirmed that he is working on a post-apocalyptic thriller titled The Dog Stars.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
The New Indian Express

Meet the parents 4 in the works

Actors Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo and Blythe Danner are in negotiations to reprise their roles in the fourth installment of the Meet The Parents franchise.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
ASAP Rocky to play the lead in High and Low
The New Indian Express

ASAP Rocky to play the lead in High and Low

In a major cast announcement in Spike Lee's High and Low, American rap artist ASAP Rocky has joined the film as the lead actor.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
DHANUSH'S NEEK TO RELEASE IN FEBRUARY 2025
The New Indian Express

DHANUSH'S NEEK TO RELEASE IN FEBRUARY 2025

DHANUSH's upcoming directorial Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) has set a Valentine's week release in 2025.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
Melding melody with magic
The New Indian Express

Melding melody with magic

COME December, the Chennai sun softens its glare; the sultry air gives way to a refreshing coolness, and the breeze whispers through the streets.

time-read
2 dak  |
December 12, 2024
ON A LEGEND'S FOOTSTEPS
The New Indian Express

ON A LEGEND'S FOOTSTEPS

Garnering praises Viswanathan had more than one reason to remember that character that fetched him the Kodai Nataka Vizha award. It was made more special when eminent theatre and cine actor VS Raghavan, who was also the chief guest, said, \"Ramesh lived with the character.\"

time-read
3 dak  |
December 12, 2024
Publicity stunt or showcasing stupidity?
The New Indian Express

Publicity stunt or showcasing stupidity?

The columnist is a writer and illustrator

time-read
2 dak  |
December 12, 2024
CHRISTIAN DIOR'S DESIGNER OF DREAMS EXHIBITION HEADS TO SAUDI ARABIA
The New Indian Express

CHRISTIAN DIOR'S DESIGNER OF DREAMS EXHIBITION HEADS TO SAUDI ARABIA

FASHION tourism has emerged as a booming trend in recent years, as style-conscious travellers increasingly seek destinations that blend cultural exploration with sartorial experiences.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024