Trump announces sanctions relief for Syria
On June 30, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order revoking longstanding sanctions on Syria. “The United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and...
Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham
‘Path to Stability and Peace’: White House Terminates Most Sanctions on Syria
Syria Sanctions Terminated: The Trump administration issued an executive order officially lifting most of the U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria. The order is intended to “promote...
Flash Briefs
The Struggle for Syria
On May 14, President Donald Trump stood smiling with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and Syria’s self-declared leader, Ahmed al-Shara’a, on the sidelines of the President’s visit...
Op-eds
Delegation from eastern Syria meets with government in Damascus
A delegation from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) met with the new Syrian government in Damascus on June 1. The talks are aimed at fully integrating the autonomous eastern...
Op-eds
Sharaa ‘Responsible for Every Threat’: Terrorists in Syria Launch Rockets Into Israel
Syrian Rockets Hit Israel: The IDF reported that two rockets crossed into Israeli territory from Syria on June 3 for the first time in over a year. The projectiles triggered alarms...
Flash Briefs
Lifting Sanctions on Syrian Regime Is a Grave Mistake
At a future point, many will ask an obvious question: why did the United States and Europe lift sanctions on Syria? The question will come after the likely fall of the Ahmed...
Op-eds
New Syria sanctions relief (and risks) explained
Firms relying on the recent wave of lifted sanctions and exceptive relief will face significant hurdles in verifying that transactions do not benefit excluded actors
Op-eds
The Druze chessboard between Syria and Israel
On May 29, an Israeli security official told the Saudi-owned Arabic news channel Al Arabiya that Israel “will not fight in support of any group in Syria.” The official added that while Israel...
Op-eds
Has the Era of Extremism Ended in the Middle East?
On May 20, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about the U.S. decision to engage with the new Syrian government in Damascus. Rubio said that an unstable Syria has historically...
Op-eds
Syrian military integrates Al Qaeda-linked terror group into its ranks
The new Syrian government is integrating a Central Asian terrorist group that is part of Al Qaeda’s network into its military, despite the objections of US President Donald Trump. The head of this terror...
Op-eds
Trump’s Syria Opportunity
Syrian president Ahmed al-Shara will need to show commitment to stabilizing the country and integrating its regions, while the United States may find it has more leverage now by embracing Damascus.
Op-eds
Trump presses Sharaa on foreign fighters as jihadists rise in Syria’s new army
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump held talks with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a designated terrorist by both the US and the United Nations and the former head of Syria’s...
Op-eds
President Trump meets with a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, lifts sanctions on Syria
President Donald Trump met with Syrian interim president Ahmad al Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al Jolani, a US and UN-designated terrorist and the former leader of Hayat Tahrir al Sham,...
Op-eds
Can Syria’s New Government Protect the Country’s Minorities?
Syria cannot hope to rebuild itself if it fails in preventing sectarian tensions from erupting into wide-scale violence.
Op-eds
Israel renews airstrikes in Syria as sectarian violence flares
Israel carried out several rounds of airstrikes in Syria between April 30 and May 3 that targeted an area near the presidential palace in Damascus and various sites containing military assets. Israel conducted...
Op-eds
‘Warning Operation’: Israeli Drones Strike Pro-Government Forces Clashing With Druze Factions in Syria
Israeli Officials Reiterate Pledge to Protect Druze: Israel has conducted drone strikes on the outskirts of Damascus, targeting Sunni extremists who attacked members of the Syrian...
Flash Briefs
Pro-Iranian Iraqi politicians, militia leaders object to Syrian president visiting Iraq
A possible visit by Syria’s new transitional president, Ahmad al Sharaa, is causing controversy in Iraq. Several key Shiite political and militia leaders have come out against the visit and called on...
Op-eds
The U.S. Should Not Sell Weapons to Turkey
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently declared Ankara would purchase an estimated $20 billion in American spare parts, ammunition, and electronics for its military. Turkey wants more...
Op-eds
Will U.S. Forces Leave Syria for Good in 2025?
U.S. forces in Syria continue to support their partners in the war against ISIS. This is part of a mission that dates back to 2015, when the U.S. first became involved in Syria. However, recent reports point to an increasing likelihood that the U.S. role in Syria may end within months.
Op-eds
Erdoğan Sets His Sights on Israel
If Trump wants to prevent another regional conflict, calling Turkey’s president a “friend” won’t cut it.