The Syria Breakdown, Episode Two: Putin's Playground

In this episode of the Institute’s Syria Breakdown series, Russia analyst Anna Borshchevskaya explains why Russia's long military intervention in Syria failed to protect the regime of its local ally, Bashar al-Assad, from collapse in the face of a stunning rebel advance.

Recent Institute Analysis

Chinese and U.S. flags flutter at a trade meeting in Shanghai
Assad’s Fall Is an Opportunity for a U.S. Win Over China
Beijing consistently supported the regime’s brutal repressive measures, so cozying up to the rebel-led transition government may be more difficult than it expects.
Jan 5, 2025
  • Grant Rumley

In Focus: Tehran's Nuclear Choices, Washington's Strategic Options

Book cover with Iranian missiles, including Shahab-3
Maps & Graphics
If Iran Gets the Bomb:
The decision would require tradeoffs affecting the security, survivability, and military credibility of Tehran's nascent arsenal.
Nov 25, 2024
  • Michael Eisenstadt

Podcast Episode

Will the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire announced in November hold? Ziegler Distinguished Fellow David Makovsky sits down with Amos Harel, one of Israel’s leading military analysts and a senior correspondent for Haaretz to unpack the agreement, its implications for the region, and whether it can endure long enough to offer lasting security for peoples on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.

Listen to this and other episodes of the Decision Points  podcast.

In-Depth Study

Semiconductor image over map of UAE with U.S. Capitol dome
Maps & Graphics
Semiconductors, AI, and the Gulf:
In seeking to bolster partnerships and simultaneously protect U.S. technology, officials will need to navigate export options ranging from permissive to restrictive.
Nov 18, 2024
  • Elizabeth Dent
  • Grant Rumley

Interactive Map: ISIS Global Activity

Interactive Tool: Tracking Maritime Attacks in Middle East Waters Since 2019

Arab Public Opinion 2014 to Today

Fikra Interactive Public Polling Platform Thumbnail
Maps & Graphics
TWI Interactive Polling Platform
Interactive datasets, from 2014 to today
Jun 30, 2022