With wars raging in Israel and Lebanon, no one was watching neighbouring Syria. Until an alliance of rebel forces launched an astonishing offensive a week ago, sweeping the north and taking the prized city of Aleppo. But who are they, who backs them, and why now?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Guest: Mark Urban, Writer and Columnist, The Sunday Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Edith Rousselot.

Clips: Channel 4 News, SkyNews, ABC News, The Telegraph.

Image credit: Getty Images.

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