Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Ankara’s scare tactics in Afrin and state building in Azaz highlight Turkey’s continued attempts to inhibit Kurdish expansion, yet neither approach is sustainable.
Syria and its neighbors all have a vested interest in resuming agricultural trade to increase food security across the region.
Russia is primed to benefit economically from an influx of foreign investment in Syria, but an emerging rivalry with China and Iran for contracts could erode its long-term leverage.
Divisions among the states vested in Syria are opening possibilities for Syria’s Kurds to secure greater protection for their autonomy.
Although the Islamic State has lost its stronghold in Hajin, instability within disputed territories provides opportunities for it to survive in both Syria and Iraq.
New legislation to regulate the Ministry of Awqaf in Syria aims to prevent any uncontrolled religious mobilization in a post-war Syria.
Instead of putting its full strength behind unifying Syrian rebel groups, Ankara is slowly supporting that process without disturbing the status quo.
The Assad regime’s recent victories in southwestern Syria provide Jordan an opportunity to open the border and pursue reconstruction that could encourage refugees to return.
In Idlib, Turkey could deter Russian airstrikes and ensure the region remains out of the Syrian regime’s control by going after extremist groups.
Russia has successfully used local ceasefires and international negotiations to cut off rebel strongholds and co-opt regional powers to support its offensives.
Syrians’ efforts to survive aerial bombardment in Eastern Ghouta have left them more vulnerable to chemical attacks.
Under increasing financial pressure, states hosting Syrian refugees are pressuring them to return whether conditions in Syria are safe or not.
Turkey’s military incursion into Kurdish-controlled northern Syria risks straining diplomatic ties and exposing Turkey to increased terror threats.
Local authorities and international actors alike have serious questions to consider about how to stabilize the region.
Local councils in Syria may form the basis of a post-conflict government with broad legitimacy, but only once their roles and powers are more clearly detailed.
The impending fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo is a sign of the Syrian government’s success in using siege tactics that cut residents off from much-needed commodities like fuel.
Warring parties in Syria have weaponized aid by granting or withholding humanitarian access, complicating the work of aid organizations.
Months of planning and Russian air support led to a final, successful battle to recapture Palmyra by Syrian regime forces that has helped boost their morale.
Working side-by-side with Russian officers in Syria is sure to improve Hezbollah’s offensive fighting capabilities.
Supporting Kurdish groups in Syria could empower them to play a role in resolving regional conflicts, not just in Syria but also in Iraq and Turkey.