In this episode of Brussels Signal Frontline, investigative journalist Lindsey Snell joins us for a detailed conversation about Syria, her 2016 kidnapping by Jabhat al-Nusra, and the extraordinary transformation of Syria’s political landscape.
Snell recounts her experience being held captive by the Al-Qaeda-linked group in Syria and discusses Mohammad Qanatri, whom she says she encountered during her captivity and later recognized when he was appointed to a diplomatic position in Washington.
The conversation also examines the Western support provided to Syrian opposition factions, how weapons supplied to groups described as “moderate” could end up in the hands of Jabhat al-Nusra, and the growing influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Snell describes how she escaped captivity, including the extraordinary circumstances that allowed her to reach Turkey.
The interview goes on to explore the rise of Ahmad al-Sharaa (Abu Muhammad al-Julani), the transformation of his public image, the collapse of the Assad regime, and the changing role of the United States and other foreign powers in Syria.