Tag: Syria

The Political Instrumentalization of “Terrorism” and Sanctions in Contemporary Foreign Policy

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The Political Instrumentalization of “Terrorism” and Sanctions in Contemporary Foreign Policy

The recent developments surrounding former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—and his transformation from a wanted terrorist leader into a sitting president welcomed by the President of the United States illustrate a deeply troubling fact in international relations: the arbitrary use of the “terrorism” label and economic sanctions as tools of political convenience Read more

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Syria at a Crossroads: Fragmentation, Federalism, and the Future of a Divided Nation

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Syria at a Crossroads: Fragmentation, Federalism, and the Future of a Divided Nation

Syria, long plagued by civil war, foreign interventions, and deep sectarian divides, is entering a new and uncertain chapter. Recent statements by key actors in the country underscore the growing fragmentation of authority and the crystallization of competing visions for Syria’s future. From the Druze-led resistance in Suwayda to the Kurdish push for federalism in Read more

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The Interconnectedness of Events in Syria, Turkey, and SWANA

Ahmed SouaiaiaLeave a Comment on The Interconnectedness of Events in Syria, Turkey, and SWANA

What happens in SWANA will not Stay in SWANA by Ahmed Souaiaia Abstract: The ongoing crises in Syria and Turkey are deeply intertwined with broader regional dynamics, including the ongoing instability in the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. This article analyzes these events through the lens of the Systems Thinking Framework (STF), which Read more

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The Syrian Crisis After Assad: Political Divisions and Uncertain Futures

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The Syrian Crisis After Assad: Political Divisions and Uncertain Futures

The fall of the Assad government marked a turning point in Syria’s long and turbulent history, but rather than ushering in a period of stability, it has plunged the country into a new phase of political strife. The transition has been marred by power struggles, ideological clashes, and deepening divisions among key factions. At the Read more

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The future of Syria in the light of similar events in SWANA

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The future of Syria in the light of similar events in SWANA

by Ahmed Souaiaia Since the start of the protest movement popularly known as the Arab Spring in 2011, all countries in Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) have been impacted and the level of change in each of these countries depended on domestic, regional and global factors. However, there is one variable that established itself Read more

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The meaning and implications of US-Syria Secret Talks

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The meaning and implications of US-Syria Secret Talks

According to exclusive media reports, US and Syria are holding secret talks in Oman. A senior diplomatic source in the Arab League revealed to some media outlets that US officials are holding direct talks with a Syrian delegation, which comes in the wake of a regional push to restore relations with the war-torn country. The Read more

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Tehran Summit further limits Erdogan’s margins of maneuvering

ISR EditorsLeave a Comment on Tehran Summit further limits Erdogan’s margins of maneuvering

by Hoda Rizk Iran is trying to re-deepen the relationship between the Astana parties in light of the changes taking place in the region and the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on regional and international alliances, at a time when Turkey is reviewing its stances and foreign policy after a decade of failed projects, and Read more

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Erdogan-Putin Summit: Context and prospect for agreements

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Erdogan-Putin Summit: Context and prospect for agreements

Speculation increased about the summit that took place between the Turkish and Russian presidents in Sochi about what the two leaders had agreed upon, especially since the summit took place behind closed doors and did not include the presence of any additional officials from the two parties, although Turkish intelligence chief Hakan Fidan was among Read more

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Broken trust: How Iraqis lost their faith in Washington, long before the Kurds did

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Broken trust: How Iraqis lost their faith in Washington, long before the Kurds did

by Mieczysław P. Boduszyński, Assistant Professor of Politics, Pomona College In all the hand-wringing that critics and commentators have done since President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria, one of the common refrains emphasizes the breach of trust between Washington and its Kurdish militia partners. Some scholars of international relations Read more

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