Israel’s second war of independence
Never again will Israelis allow a “ring of fire” to burn on their nation’s borders
Al-Nusra Front
Profiles of commanders in the new Syrian army’s regional divisions
On January 29, Syria’s new leadership announced the dissolution of the Assad regime’s Syrian Arab Army and launched a unification process to integrate various armed militias into a single national...
Op-eds
Qatar Slated to Provide Gas to Syria With U.S. Approval
The new Syrian government is set to receive a power boost from Qatar — literally. A Trump administration official confirmed on March 13 that Washington approved a deal whereby Qatar will supply natural...
Policy Briefs
Israel strikes Palestinian Islamic Jihad command center in Damascus
The state-owned Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that Israel targeted a building in the Mashoura Dummar neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, with an airstrike on March 13. The attack wounded...
Op-eds
Qatari Cash May Be Coming Soon to a Town Near You
It’s time for Washington to drop the rose-tinted glasses and make clear that America is not up for sale
Op-eds
Bridging the Gap
Turkey Between East and West
Legislative Testimonies
10 Things to Know About Turkey’s Interventions and Influence in Syria
Turkey intends to position itself as the most influential foreign actor in Syria. Following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Turkey built close ties with jihadist militias fighting Bashar...
Insights
Profiles of foreign commanders in the new Syrian army
The new Syrian administration has announced the disbandment of the Bashar al Assad regime’s Syrian Arab Army and confirmed the integration of multiple rebel groups into a unified military under...
Op-eds
Turkistan Islamic Party leader directs Syrian fighters from Afghanistan
Abdul Haq al Turkistani, the emir of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) who serves on Al Qaeda’s executive leadership council and resides in Afghanistan, is currently directing the group’s fighters...
Op-eds
Disruptions and Challenges in the Middle East
Significant challenges await the Trump administration’s attention.
Op-eds
From Al-Qaeda Commander to Syrian President: Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s Ascent
The seismic transformation of the Syrian political landscape continues. On January 29, the country’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formally assumed the presidency, while the country’s 2012 constitution...
Policy Briefs
Ahmad al Sharaa’s Victory Conference: Syria’s new era and an exclusive translation of Sharaa’s speech
On January 29, Syria’s new leadership, headed by Ahmad al Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammad al Jolani, the emir of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) and previously the leader of Al Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate,...
Op-eds
Syrian Government Uses Islamic Teaching to Recruit, Train New Security Forces
Syria’s new leaders insist they are committed to religious tolerance, yet they are employing their preferred variant of Sunni Islamic beliefs to recruit and train the country’s new security forces....
Policy Briefs
Turkey and HTS: A New Era of Extremism in Syria?
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2023, Syria is now controlled by an alliance of opposition groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). While there has...
Op-eds
Turkey Is Preparing to Invade Syria, Then Israel?
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is making no effort to disguise his ambitions. In a bold declaration following the first meeting of Turkey’s cabinet, Erdogan made it clear that he intends to...
Op-eds
Syria’s new Minister of Justice: A profile of Shadi Mohammed al Waisi
Shadi Mohammed al Waisi is the newly appointed Minister of Justice in the transitional government in Syria. Al Waisi has faced criticism from Syrian activists and international media after videos surfaced...
Op-eds
In Verified Footage, New Syrian Justice Minister Presided Over Woman’s 2015 Execution
The woman kneels on the pavement, waiting for a bullet to the back of her head. She has been convicted of “corruption and prostitution.” Standing behind her is Shadi al-Waisi, who currently serves...
Policy Briefs
US removes $10 million reward for Hayat Tahrir al Sham leader
The US State Department removed the $10 million reward for Abu Mohammad al Jolani, the Specially Designated Global Terrorist who leads Haytat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), which State describes as an Al Qaeda...
Op-eds
Who will form the core of Jolani’s unified army?
Ahmad al Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), commonly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al Jolani, has unveiled a vision for post-Assad Syria. With HTS assuming control in the aftermath...
Op-eds
Hayat Tahrir al Sham’s terror network in Syria
On December 8, 2024, rebel forces deposed the regime of Syria’s longtime dictator, Bashar al Assad, after the insurgents stormed through much of the country, retaking various regional capitals and culminating...