Post-Assad Syria
Members of the media may directly contact:
Errol Mendes (English only)
Full professor, Common Law, Faculty of Law
Professor Mendes can comment from the perspective of human rights and international humanitarian law.
“Syria could be yet another example of the fact that when a dictator reaches such a level of atrocities and inhumane treatment of his citizens, he will inevitably predict his demise. The use of chemicals and barrel bombs is only the tip of the atrocities that have been inflicted on Syrians of all groups and religions, except for Assad's group.
It is necessary to bring to justice not only Assad, but also the many military and intelligence agents who may now be leaving the country and trying to find a safe place other than Moscow, where Assad and his family are. Wherever they may be hiding, those responsible should be prosecuted under universal jurisdiction wherever possible.
Syria is also a sign that the allies Putin relied on to extend his corrupt regime to the Middle East and Africa are now at risk, as Syria was a key element in the Wagner Group's activities in Africa.”
Dominique Arel (English & French)
Associate professor, Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
Professor Arel's research interests include political Violence and Human Rights. He can comment on how the war in Ukraine affects Syria and vice versa.
Jabeur Fathally (English, French & Arabic)
Associate Professor, Civil Law, Faculty of Law
Professor Fathally can discuss current fears about the Islamism of the rebels who have seized power.
Ferry De Kerckhove (English, French, Spanish, & Russian)
Senior fellow, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences