Sam Azkul: Syrian Advocacy @ the UN
In September 2025, I stood at the United Nations General Assembly during one of the most jarring diplomatic pivots in modern history. Inside the halls, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was welcoming the new President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani). It was a historic scene: a man once on global terror lists being greeted as a head of state, signaling a new era of "pragmatic" geopolitics where oil, resources, and regional stability are taking center stage. But outside those halls, and across Syria, the cost of this transition has been paid in the currency of bloody violence. While world leaders like President Trump, President Putin, and MBS coordinate with this new administration, a darker reality of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocity is unfolding. My guest today, Dr. Sam Azkul, was at the UN to protest what he describes as a genocide occurring under the cover of this political shift. A Syrian-born physician and a member of the Druze minority, Dr. Azkul brings a harrowing perspective on the state-sponsored violence that has ravaged his community. However, he frames the crisis through a broader lens: when U.S. national security is threatened, instability ensues, and undesirable consequences follow. Unstable governments—whether in Syria or here in the United States—create conditions where atrocities can flourish. We focus specifically on the July 2025 massacres in Suwayda (Sweida), where human rights groups have documented extrajudicial executions, the burning of villages, and systemic atrocities targeting the Druze, Alawites, and Kurds. Dr. Azkul joins me to pull back the curtain on the 'New Syria' and share a harrowing account of the suffering that the global community—in its rush for resources—seems all too willing to overlook. We explore how this current instability may not be the hallmark of a successful transition, but rather the bellwether for the emergence of the 'next Afghanistan
In this compelling session of Chatmosa, Dr. Sam Azkul, M.D. delves into the intricate web of international relations, terrorism, and national security, with a pointed focus on the situation in Syria. His insights draw on historical precedents and contemporary geopolitical dynamics, offering listeners a rich framework for understanding the balance of power in the region.
Dr. Azkul opens the dialogue with a stark warning about the implications of inaction in the face of rising tensions. "If the US puts its head in the sand, China is going to jump in," he asserts, highlighting the potential for escalating conflict over resources in Syria. His comments underscore the urgent need for proactive engagement, particularly as reports suggest a significant presence of foreign fighters in the region, intent on establishing autonomous governance structures.
The session also references the wisdom of former ambassador Sam Brownback, who emphasized the critical timeline for intervention, stating, “We should do something before, you know, the cement is set.” Dr. Azkul elaborates on this metaphor, indicating that without decisive action within the next two years, the establishment of a stable and functional Syrian government could slip further from reach. He proposes a decentralized, federated model of governance as a potential solution, drawing parallels to the successful governance seen in Kurdistan, Iraq.
One of the poignant points raised by Dr. Azkul is the humanitarian aspect of the ongoing crisis. He warns against the dire consequences of neglecting minority protection in the region, recalling the tragic fates of the Yazidis and Christians in past genocides. "If Syria is a peaceful country, they’re going to take it somewhere else," he observes, emphasizing that terrorism does not discriminate between East and West. This perspective adds weight to the urgency surrounding U.S. policymaking, pushing for a long-term strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of global security.
In an engaging exchange, Dr. Azkul draws a parallel to Germany post-World War II, suggesting that ideologies can be dismantled through thoughtful policies, such as the denazification efforts undertaken in the late 1940s. "Twenty years later, Germany was one of the economic powers in Europe," he notes, advocating for a proactive presence in Syria that fosters stability and economic potential, benefiting both the local population and U.S. interests alike.
As the session draws to a close, Dr. Azkul reflects on the persistence of extremist ideologies, issuing a clarion call for unity in combating terrorism: "We are going to do another 9-11 if we're not cautious." His remarks leave listeners with a profound sense of responsibility, reinforcing the idea that international cooperation and vigilance are paramount in preventing future tragedies.
This enlightening conversation with Dr. Azkul invites our audience to consider the vital intersections of governance, economics, and security in a rapidly changing world. As we continue to explore these complex topics in our podcast series, we encourage you to engage with us—your insights and comments are invaluable as we navigate these challenging discussions together.