ARB - Syria

Photo Essay: Arsal Caught Between Lebanon and Syria

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 18:10:45 +0000

The inability of the Lebanese state to figure out where Arsal stands has made public and state perceptions increasingly hostile toward the town.

The Case Against an Alliance With Assad

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:54:48 +0000

Realpolitik, rather than ethics, provides the most powerful arguments against the growing calls to forge a deal with the Syrian regime.

Geopolitics of Kurdish Peace

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 15:23:26 +0000

Although Kobani has spurred a KRG-PYD strategic rapprochement, Kurdish unity across borders remains elusive.

A New Sectarian Force for Iraq

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:23:14 +0000

Plans to build a national guard force risk widening sectarian divisions in Iraq and pushing more Sunnis toward the Islamic State.

Kobani and Kurdish Nationalism in Turkey

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 15:58:37 +0000

Regardless of whether Kurds can successfully defend Kobani, the PKK stands to gain support for its nationalist claims in Turkey.

Confronting the Islamic State

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:59:58 +0000

Airstrikes against ISIS will provide the Syrian opposition an opportunity to work alongside countries that long doubted its ability to rule a post-Assad Syria.

The Islamic State and the Cost of Governing

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:05:13 +0000

Although the Islamic State gained access to significant resources in Syria and Iraq, budgetary constraints will hinder the group’s expansionist aims.

The Syrian Refugees Problem

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 14:11:16 +0000

Fears of a potential shift in Lebanon’s confessional balance are driving power brokers to enact harsher restrictions on incoming Syrian refugees.

Islamic State in Syria, Back With a Vengeance

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 16:02:18 +0000

The Islamic State is trying to consolidate its presence in Syria and gain territory using new strategies during its latest push.

Hezbollah’s Iraq Problems

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:35:43 +0000

The return of Shia fighters to Iraq has left Hezbollah overstretched in Syria and vulnerable at home.

Securing the Syrian Regime

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:44:32 +0000

The Syrian regime’s institutionalization of local militias bolsters their loyalty and ensures the regime’s hold on the militias’ communities.

Moroccan Fighters in Syria

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 15:36:37 +0000

The growing number of radicalized Moroccan fighters in Syria will complicate the resolution of the Salafi detainees issue in Morocco.

Palestinian Refugees and the Siege of Yarmouk

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:49:18 +0000

Drawn into the Syrian conflict, Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk are turning to social media to generate support and to hold their divided leadership and the international community accountable.

The New Generation of Jordanian Jihadi Fighters

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:29:24 +0000

The outcome of their engagement in Syria will define the future vision and goals of the rising generation of Jordanian Salafi-jihadis.

The Syrian Conflict and Sunni Radicalism in Lebanon

Thu, 09 Jan 2014 16:06:42 +0000

Syria’s nearly three-year-old civil war has emboldened radical Salafis in Lebanon, creating an opening for Syrian jihadis to further export their conflict.

What Does Syria Mean for the Region’s Shia

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:33:53 +0000

Regional Shia support for the Assad regime is more geopolitical than religious in nature.

Losing Syria’s Economic Future

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 15:56:44 +0000

Left with a tattered economy after nearly three years of war, an effective economic recovery plan should be a cornerstone of Syria’s reconciliation.

Obstacles to Kurdish Autonomy

Thu, 07 Nov 2013 17:11:50 +0000

Syria’s Kurdish parties have an unprecedented opportunity to establish political autonomy, but internal rivalries and the dividing influence of regional patrons could stand in the way.

Refugees and Egypt’s “Other”

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 14:40:24 +0000

Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Egypt have become a pawn in the government's fight against the Muslim Brotherhood.

Militias for the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood?

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:19:23 +0000

Syria’s Muslim Brotherhood is trying to gain influence in the conflict by establishing an armed wing—the effort might enhance its profile in the short term but carries big risks in the longer run.

The Cost of Syrian Refugees

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:53:03 +0000

Economic and demographic strains from the Syrian refugee crisis are impacting Jordan’s own domestic balance of power.

Syria’s Security Implications for Israel: A Lose-Lose Situation

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 15:11:19 +0000

Syria may be Israel’s enemy, but its civil war ushers in greater threats.

Syria’s Security Implications for Israel: Advantage of a Stalemate

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 15:00:10 +0000

A prolonged conflict in Syria may be the best way to ensure Israel's security.

A Falling-Out Among Brothers?

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:55:28 +0000

In the aftermath of Morsi’s ouster, Muslim Brotherhood offshoots across the region seek to distance themselves from the “mother” organization—yet they all face the same fundamental challenges.

Will Hezbollah Eventually Cede to Domestic Pressure?

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:36:35 +0000

With Syrian rebel groups promising more attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, will domestic pressure eventually cause the Party of God to limit its aims in Syria?