In a shock offensive, insurgents breach Aleppo, Syria's largest city
NPR Online NewsDEC 2024
Syrian, Russian Jets Intensify Strikes Against Insurgent-Held Positions
Above: The Rashidin district on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria, on Nov. 29, 2024. Image copyright: Bakr Alkasem/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While the West is concerned about the possible resurgence of jihadist terror groups in Syria, it will not complain too much about Assad's government — alongside its partners in Russia and Hezbollah — being put under pressure.
Establishment-critical narrative
The terror groups waging this campaign have a long history of conspiring with Western governments in an effort to overthrow Assad. However, Assad will undoubtedly repel these attacks as he had done previously.