Archive

Inside Bashar al-Assad’s Army

Warfare

The Syrian military is crumbling—and becoming more extreme in its fight for survival. Mike Giglio on Assad’s inner core of armed supporters, and how rebels are preparing for a chemical attack.

articles/2012/12/10/inside-bashar-al-assad-s-army/giglio-syrian-military-crumbling-tease_vyqmvm
Handout / Reuters / Landov

Like many young Syrian Alawites—members of the small Shiite Islam sect that forms the backbone of President Bashar al-Assad’s government—Khalil was pressed into military service after the revolution began in March 2011.

This won't last long. One year of fearless reporting for only $35 $25.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article. 

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.