Syria’s National Dialogue Conference: A Missed Opportunity
Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, pledged in December that the country’s national dialogue conference on February 25 would chart a clear course for the country’s transition...
Tahrir al-Sham
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
Suwayda Military Council: A new Druze coalition emerges in Syria
A group of Druze militants in Suwayda, southern Syria, has announced the formation of the Suwayda Military Council, a coalition of local armed groups aimed at protecting the region and maintaining...
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
‘Demilitarization of Southern Syria’: Israel Expands on post-Assad Plans
Israel Sets Demands for Syrian Transitional Government: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed Israel’s strategic objectives after 16 months of regional warfare to...
Flash Briefs
US military kills Al Qaeda facilitator in Syria
The US military killed a senior member of Al Qaeda’s branch in Syria in an airstrike in the northwestern part of the country on February 21.
Op-eds
Turkey Marginalized? How Trump’s Middle East Strategy is Rewriting Alliances
Nearly a month into Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President, we are beginning to see the contours of his foreign policy in the Middle East. Having campaigned on a promise to prioritize American...
Op-eds
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
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
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
Macron Invites Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Visit France
Al-Sharaa Expected to Travel to France in Coming Weeks: French President Emmanuel Macron on February 5 invited Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to visit France, becoming the first...
Flash Briefs
Syrian government forces enter Afrin, signaling a change in control
Forces from Syria’s General Security Department entered the northwestern Syrian city of Afrin on February 6, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.
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
Why Does Qatar Keep Helping Terrorists?
Qatar remains one of the world’s foremost proponents of violent Islamist movements and states. The U.S. should treat it accordingly.
Op-eds
US airstrike kills Al Qaeda operative in Syria
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it killed a senior leader of Hurras al Din, Al Qaeda’s branch in Syria, in an airstrike in Syria on January 30. The strike, which took place less...
Op-eds
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
Syria appoints new president amid widespread diplomatic engagement efforts
In a move that will have significant implications for Syria and its international relations, Ahmed Sharaa was named the country’s president on January 29. The appointment is expected to provide...
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....