Video Duration 28 minutes 15 seconds play-arrow28:15Inside Story

Can tension in Aleppo be contained?

The Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, have taken part in clashes in Aleppo city this week.

The violence reflects a deep rift between the two sides, and many rounds of talks have so far failed to reach common ground.

The SDF seeks a decentralised system of government – with areas under its control having a certain level of autonomy.

But the government in Damascus wants to centralise power.

So, what does it all mean for Syria’s unity?

Presenter: James Bays

Guests:

Labib Nahhas – Syria analyst

Omer Ozkizilcik – Nonresident fellow for the Syria Project in the Atlantic Council’s Middle East programme.

Rob Geist Pinfold – Lecturer in international security at King’s College London

Published On 8 Jan 20268 Jan 2026

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