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Syria

Policy Analysis on Syria

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Palestians on a Mediterranean beach in Gaza
Brief Analysis
Changing Population Patterns Will Reshape the Middle East
Several of the region’s demographic heavyweights will be surpassed, and major shifts at the global level may affect how great powers vie for influence there as well.
Nov 22, 2022
◆
  • Patrick Clawson
Photo showing the Iron Dome defense system intercepting Hamas rockets over Ashkelon, Israel, in May 2021.
Articles & Testimony
Why Israel Is Hesitant About Supplying Ukraine with Air Defense Systems
Jerusalem remains concerned that angering the Russians could jeopardize its crucial national security interests in Syria, though domestic elements and U.S. officials are still pressing it to do more.
Nov 15, 2022
◆
  • Anna Borshchevskaya
Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, speaks in a recorded interview released in Jan. 2019. Photo credit: Screenshot by Cole Bunzel via Twitter.
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
The Future of al-Jawlani’s Pragmatism in Idlib and Afrin
Despite years of overhauling HTS’s global reputation, al-Jawlani’s strategy in northwest Syria has long been driven by opportunism instead of ideology.
Nov 8, 2022
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  • Yilmaz Saeed
Brief Analysis
What to Expect (or Not) from the Arab League Summit
Participants will probably issue potent-sounding statements on Iran, oil production, and other key issues, but their rhetoric is unlikely to result in any substantive policy shifts or internal dispute resolution.
Oct 24, 2022
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  • Sabina Henneberg
  • David Schenker
al-Shaitat Memorial
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Daesh’s Forgotten Massacre in Deir al-Zour
Justice for the victims of the al-Shaitat massacre is only just starting to emerge, and the international community must do its part.
Oct 24, 2022
◆
  • Omar Abu Layla
Flag of the Syrian Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Shifting Lines and IDPs: Azaz, Afrin, and the HTS Incursion
HTS is on the move through northern Syria, leaving locals in Afrin and Azaz even more vulnerable.
Oct 19, 2022
◆
  • Rena Netjes
Brief Analysis
The UN Resolution Against Russia’s Ukraine Annexations: How Did the Middle East Vote?
Most of the region supported the measure, with one nay vote, a pair of notable changes since the March resolution, and several strong statements in support of territorial integrity.
Oct 18, 2022
Fighters of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), walk together near Baghouz, Deir Al Zor province - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
The SDF Is Caught Between Turkey and the Islamic State Again
As happened with past incursions, Erdogan’s latest invasion threats and preparatory strikes are fatally distracting the SDF from its crucial counterterrorism mission—and at a time when jihadist activities against it are on the rise.
Oct 12, 2022
◆
  • Ido Levy
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Insight into As-Suwayda’s Position in the Syrian Situation
As-Suwayda has been unstable since the onset of the Syrian revolution. The increasingly fractured political leadership in this majority-Druze region reflects how Syria’s ongoing conflict has warped and splintered local governance.
Oct 12, 2022
◆
  • Ishtar Al Shami
Turkish President Erdogan at a summit with Russian President Putin in Sochi in 2021 - source: Reuters
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
A Domestic Audience for Turkish Foreign Policy
With elections in the balance, Erdoğan is playing a risky game of international normalizations in the hope that the Turkish electorate will approve of economic ties and immigrant solutions.
Sep 30, 2022
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  • Batu Coşkun
  • Gökhan Çınkara
Jordan-Syria Border
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
The Captagon War: Smuggling on the Jordanian-Syrian Border
As drug smuggling increases across Jordan’s border with Syria, Jordanian authorities need to seek solutions in both the security and social spheres.
Sep 30, 2022
◆
  • Saud Al-Sharafat
A woman at the Al-Hawl detention camp in Syria - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Detention Facilities in Syria, Iraq Remain Vulnerable to Islamic State Attacks
An attempted suicide operation against al-Hawl camp highlights the ongoing risks posed by indefinite detention of foreigners associated with IS.
Sep 29, 2022
◆
  • Devorah Margolin
MEES map showing Israeli and Lebanese maritime border claims in the East Mediterranean.
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Israel’s Karish Gas Field: Diplomatic Opportunity or Casus Belli?
Seven experts examine how the fraught decision to start production might affect Beirut’s negotiating stance, Hezbollah’s military calculus, U.S.-Israel relations, and other factors.
Sep 20, 2022
◆
  • Simon Henderson
  • Hanin Ghaddar
  • Matthew Levitt
  • Ehud Yaari
  • David Makovsky
  • David Schenker
  • Andrew J. Tabler
Assad and Khamenei
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Despite Airstrikes, Iran Continues to Permeate Western Syria
Efforts to counter Iran in Syria are solely focused on Iran’s military presence in the country, and have ignored the soft-power, cultural spheres of influence being developed by Iran as a long-term strategy.
Sep 14, 2022
◆
  • Omar Abu Layla
Nujaba Warethun
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Profile: Al-Warithuun
Al-Warithuun is a "resistance" brand with a recurring connection to kinetic operations that are directed by Iran's Qods Force but intended to be deniable.
Sep 13, 2022
◆
  • Michael Knights
  • Hamdi Malik
  • Crispin Smith
◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles
Erdogan and Putin
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
The Consequences of Turkey’s Shifting Position on the Syrian Crisis
Although establishing ties between Turkey and the Syrian regime may seem like a smart move by Erdogan, the decision represents a betrayal of the Syrian people and its success is not guaranteed for the Turkish government.
Sep 2, 2022
◆
  • Salahuddin Hawa
Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, speaks in a recorded interview released in Jan. 2019. Photo credit: Screenshot by Cole Bunzel via Twitter.
Articles & Testimony
Jawlani’s “State of the Union”
The Syrian jihadist leader’s growing efforts to garner legitimacy and build up local institutions can only go so far amid the group’s continued terrorist sympathies and minority repression.
Aug 29, 2022
◆
  • Aaron Y. Zelin
U.S. Central Command graphic, Aug 15, 2022 drone attack on Al Tanf
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Kataib Hezbollah's Role in the August 15 al-Tanf Attack
The Syria strike was launched from the militia's bastion in Iraq and used Iranian-provided KAS-04 explosive drones.
Aug 25, 2022
◆
  • Michael Knights
◆ Militia Spotlight
AlhawlsyriarefugeesISIS
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Arab Syrian IDPs of Tal Rifaat also Want to Go Home
The involvement of Turkish military forces in Northern Syria could allow thousands of Syrians to return to their homes after being forced out by the YPG, the SDF, and other entities for many years.
Aug 12, 2022
◆
  • Rena Netjes
Dorsin
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Armed with Paintbrushes: Kurdish Female Artists Fighting for Equality
Kurdish women use art as a powerful tool to represent what it means to be a Kurd, a woman, and a human being.
Aug 4, 2022
◆
  • Shilan Fuad Hussain

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Featured experts

Michael Singh
Michael Singh
Michael Singh is the Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.
Grant Rumley
Grant Rumley
Grant Rumley is the Goldberger Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he specializes in military and security affairs in the Middle East.
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