Thursday, December 12, 2024

Hello, and welcome to another Independent Voices roundup.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad marked a pivotal and contradictory moment for Syria and the world. While few mourned the downfall of a tyrant who had wielded murder, torture and chemical weapons against his own people, the spectre of something even worse taking his place looms large.

In our editorial, we emphasised the urgent need for Western governments to secure cooperation from Israel, Turkey and Iran to prevent a power vacuum in the wake of Assad's brutal dictatorship. Sam Kiley, The Independent's world affairs editor, highlighted the cautious optimism among Syrians who celebrated Assad's overthrow, but warned the chaos could still tear it apart. He also cautioned that the US bombing of Syria so soon after the rebels' victory revealed Western anxiety about the country's uncertain future.

Meanwhile, Mark Almond delved into the precarious situation of the Kurds in post-Assad Syria. The historian also examined the evolving threat posed by ISIS to Europe in the aftermath of those seismic events.

Until next week!

Victoria Richards

Voices Editor | @nakedvix

Most commented this week

In the spotlight

We should all be worried about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup

By Robbie Newton

Streeting's puberty blocker ban will force trans kids to go to France for treatment

By Robin Moira White

Is Angela Rayner going to lose Keir Starmer the next election?

By John Rentoul

Luigi Mangione and the dark truth behind our reaction to his arrest

By Emma Clarke

Want to see off Farage, Sir Keir? There's one thing you need...

By Simon Walters

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FEATURED OPINION: ANDREW GRICE

Is Rachel Reeves' spending review a veiled return to austerity?

The chancellor faces her biggest test yet, but she also doesn't want to look soft.

Read more

Further reading

Are you worried about the NHS this winter?

The issue is that the public campaign is very weak. The importance of getting vaccinated isn't stressed enough and indeed vaccination levels are low. Also, the NHS in general doesn't stress enough the importance of getting a daily intake of vitamins C and D. Especially vitamin D, since the only way to get it in winter months is by taking a supplement.

WHAT IS NEW? As far as I can remember there has been a "Winter crisis" in the NHS. It would be a sick joke if it wasn't so tragic for the lives of thousands of people.

For Heaven's sake Reeves, TAX THE RICH and give the NHS what it needs to save lives this winter and beyond!

Share your opinion and read the full debate here

Is Starmer's promise of 1.5 million homes impossible?

"At the age of nearly 81, after a lifetime in housebuilding, construction generally, and finally construction education, I can categorically state that Starmer's target of building 1.5 million houses in the next 5 years is impossible," writes Graham elley to The Independent.

Do you agree? Vote in the poll above and remember to come back next week to see how your opinion stacks up with other readers.

Last week, 60 per cent of readers said the Elgin marbles didn't belong in Britain, following a letter from Alastair Majury.

Send your own thoughts to letters@independent.co.uk

Cartoon of the week

Dave Brown

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