Patrick Cockburn, Middle East reporter for the Independent, returns to the show to discuss the fighting in Syria, focusing on the conflicts in Afrin and East Ghouta where much of the killing of civilians has taken place. Cockburn details the tangled maze of allegiance in Syria and how the United States will likely deal with its warring allies. Cockburn then shares what he knows about where the surviving displaced ISIS fighters have re-surfaced. Cockburn says that despite considerable bias in the coverage from the mainstream press, all the different cities of Syria look the same, regardless of which power they’re being bombed by. Lastly Cockburn gives his best estimate of how the conflict will unfold going forward and whether there’s a legitimate exit strategy for the United States.

Patrick Cockburn is the Middle East correspondent for The Independent and the author of “The Age of Jihad” and “Chaos & Caliphate.”

Discussed on the show:

• “Syria war: Thousands flee Turkish assault on Afrin enclave” (BBC)
• Al Nusra Front
• Jaysh al-Islam
• Free Syrian Army
• AirWars.org
• “The Uncounted,” by Anand Gopal and Azmat Khan (The New York Times Magazine)
• “Tillerson Unveils ‘New’ US Syria Plan: ‘Assad Must Go!’” by Daniel McAdams (Ron Paul Institute)
• “Syria: Turkish President threatens to launch wider offensive against Kurds after capturing Afrin,” by Patrick Cockburn (The Independent)

This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Zen Cash, The War State, by Mike Swanson; WallStreetWindow.com; Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Inc.; LibertyStickers.com; TheBumperSticker.com; and ExpandDesigns.com/Scott.

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