Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
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.
Though challenges remain, Turkey is pushing forward with efforts to integrate Syrian students and teachers into its education system.
Local authorities and international actors alike have serious questions to consider about how to stabilize the region.
The Syrian regime is turning to reconstruction to boost legitimacy and consolidate control, a process that also benefits its external allies.
Despite a number of challenges, many Syrian refugees find Turkey offers much more than Europe does.
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.
Despite the inherent challenges of finding a long-term solution to Lebanon’s refugee crisis, its focus on short-term responses could worsen social and political cleavages and foster new forms of marginalization.
Hezbollah and Russia have enjoyed close cooperation in Syria, but their military successes could undermine Hezbollah’s hopes of playing a major role in the country post-conflict.
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.
Sada launches its first eBook, a collection of essays that explores the region’s deep political changes since the Arab uprisings.
More coordination between international donors, the public sector, and civil society actors could fill gaps in education for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
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.
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.