What Does Israel Want With Syria?
As Syria faces continued conflict, Israel may be planning a wider confrontation with the new government.
Alawites
Why did Syria’s Kurds sign a deal with the new regime?
On March 10, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement with Syria’s interim government, integrating the SDF’s 100,000-strong, predominantly Kurdish force into the new Syrian...
Op-eds
Hundreds Killed in Syria as Transitional Government Clashes With Alawite Insurgency
Massive Fighting on Syrian Coast: At least 400 people including 300 civilians have reportedly been killed in three days of intense fighting between Syria’s transitional government...
Flash Briefs
Fierce clashes erupt between Assad loyalists and government forces in western Syria
On March 6, Syria witnessed the most intense and bloodiest clashes between the new Syrian government and loyalists to dictator Bashar al Assad since the Assad regime’s downfall on December 8. These battles...
Op-eds
Netanyahu calls for the demilitarization of southern Syria
On February 23, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for southern Syria to remain demilitarized in the wake of the collapse of the Bashar al Assad regime. “We will not allow forces from the...
Op-eds
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
Syria’s National Dialogue Committee: A Facade of Inclusivity
Syria’s new president pledged to champion inclusivity, yet he has stacked a key transition committee with like-minded Islamists. The seven-member National Dialogue Committee will organize the National...
Policy Briefs
Syria’s crackdown on smuggling sparks tensions with Hezbollah and Lebanon
The border between Lebanon and Syria has witnessed intense clashes in recent days as the newly formed Syrian army deployed reinforcements to Al Qusayr in the western Homs Governorate.
Op-eds
Syria gets a new autocrat as Sharaa styles himself ‘president’
If the economy tanks, it’s likely Sharaa will return to his Islamic roots and produce a state similar to ISIS
Op-eds
Continued chaos in Syria: Iraqi militias and an Alawite insurgency
On January 25, a new Iraqi militia, Kataib Awliya’ al Haq (Guardians of Truth Brigades), announced its formation. So far, the group has issued a single statement displaying its full name, logo, and...
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
Israel SitRep: January 17, 2025
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Israel at War Situation Report
Alawite Fears Ignite Syria’s Coastal Chaos
Violence is spreading in Syria’s Mediterranean coastal region, home to the country’s largest concentration of Alawites, the religious minority whose members include the ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad....
Policy Briefs
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
Projecting strength and tolerance: New Syrian gov’t faces biggest test yet
Two weeks after rebels overthrew the Assad regime, protests and accusations start up over the new government.
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
As Assad falls and Iran weakens, Qatar gains influence across Middle East
While Israel is pleased to see the weakness of the Iranian-backed axis, it’s worth pausing and noting that celebrations should be tempered by reality.
Op-eds
Are Kurds under threat amid civil war resurgence in Syria?
Many wheels are in motion in Syria, which could leave Kurds and other minorities exposed.
Op-eds
IDF reports 6 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon
On November 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released the names of six soldiers killed in southern Lebanon. All of them were from the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade. The...
Op-eds
Israel warns Hezbollah as attacks continue in north
Israel has been at war with Hamas for 164 days as of March 18, and the Israel Defense Forces continue to operate on multiple fronts. Israel’s Chief of Staff Herzi HaLevi said on March 17 that Israel...