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As 2016 approaches, four experts examine how Syria’s economy has been affected by the war and how it might evolve in the coming year.
In comparison to 2014, 2015 was at least a somewhat positive year for relations between Russia and the West. However, it is unlikely that these relations will improve in the near future.
Even if the upcoming negotiations on the Syrian war fail to find a comprehensive political solution, the talks could still serve to address critical humanitarian issues and set the stage for a broader dialogue.
The Syrian government has had a dual approach to its wartime economy, intervening when necessary but often adopting a laissez-faire stance towards traders.
Jihadist groups continue their expansion in states where services and security are weak.
The recent Syrian opposition conference in Riyadh has been met with cautious optimism, but questions remain about the role of a powerful Islamist group and Syria's Kurds.
The promise of Western military support and a shared opposition to Russia’s intervention are driving Syrian opposition forces to unite and—for many of them—move away from extremist rhetoric.
The political rupture between Russia and Turkey is unlikely to heal as long as Putin and Erdogan are in power. The conflict between the two countries may not have killed the resurgent diplomatic push to end the Syrian crisis, but it has definitely complicated it.
With three Syrian opposition conferences underway at once, the most important one takes place in Riyadh where failure could prove disastrous and success could be a real step toward a political process.
Putin has turned a bombing campaign into new diplomatic leverage that can be deployed against sanctions.
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