The fall of the Assad regime was met with relief and hope by Syrians of all backgrounds, including even some former loyalists disillusioned with Assad’s inability to address Syria’s worsening crises. However, Syrians are now faced with a new government whose leadership remains largely unfamiliar
Syrias post-Assad honeymoon is over. Now the hard work of state-building begins
Atlantic Council
As Donald Trump prepares to take office again, a unique opportunity to influence Iran’s direction arises by renewing the combination of effective pressure and robust negotiations, mainly aimed at a permanent detailed weaponization ban, while providing Tehran with possible domestic benefits.
Could the Fall of Assad and the Return of Trump Lead to a Better Deal with Iran?
War on the Rocks
In February 2011, a group of teenagers in the southern Syrian city of Daraa spray painted a message on their high school wall, calling for the regime of President Bashar al-Assad to step down. Their arrest set off a chain of events that sparked a countrywide uprising a month later, with Syrians demanding political and economic reforms.
Sanctions on Syria: Irans Economic Gains and the Gulf-U.S. Divide
The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington
This note looks at the right to education under international human rights law (IHRL) and how it applies in the context of the armed conflict and crisis in Syria when international humanitarian law (IHL) is also applicable. It concisely explains how the OHCHR Syria Office advocates for state policies that advance the realisation of this right and how the UN contributes to these broader goals.
The Right to Education in Syria
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
The Syrian regime recently announced that it had arrested over 2,000 people in Damascus on drug-related charges during the first half of 2024. Investigative reports confirm that Syria's drug market continues to grow in terms of production, distribution, and consumption levels. However, the relatively small amount of drugs confiscated suggests the regime is focusing on arresting users and street-level pushers rather than going after the major producers and traffickers.
Reading Of The Week: Smoke and mirrors: The Syrian regimes dubious anti-drug campaigns
Middle East Institute (MEI)
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the most water-scarce region in the world. Over 60% of its population lives in areas experiencing high water stress. In addition, it is vulnerable to droughts and floods, which damage agriculture and the overall economy.
The Weaponization of Natural Resources and Disasters During Conflict: The Refugee Conventions Relevance for Syria and Yemen
Baker Institute for Public Policy
On 30 April and 27 May 2024, the European Union hosts the eighth Brussels Conference on Syria. The conference is a litmus test for humanitarian actors as funding is becoming increasingly scarce. Major donors have already signalled funding cuts due to demands arising from Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza.
How the Aid Fund for Northern Syria can upgrade humanitarian aid and EU geopolitical engagement
Clingendael Institute of International Relations
This summer, elections for the Syrian People’s Assembly will be held in the areas controlled by the government under Bashar al-Assad. The political environment in Syria has remained unchanged since the 2020 elections.
The Syrian parliamentary elections are coming up. Should anyone care?
Atlantic Council
The risk of regional escalation means that the Gulf Arab states should do more to push for a ceasefire, not only for humanitarian reasons, but for their economic self-interest. It has also caused extensive economic damage, not only to Gaza and the West Bank, but also to neighboring countries and to Israel itself.
The economic case for a Gaza ceasefire
Chatham House
After more than a decade in which it was preoccupied with the civil war, the Syrian military, while turning increasing attention toward its old enemy, Israel, seeks to regain its former strength. How is the Syrian military fortifying itself on both the conventional and nonconventional levels, and what should Israel do?
Rebuilding the Syrian Military: The Threat to Israel
The Institute for National Security Studies
The MED This Week newsletter provides expert analysis and informed insights on the most significant developments in the MENA region, bringing together unique opinions on the topic and reliable foresight on possible future scenarios. Today we shed light upon the Arab League’s decision to reintegrate Syria, thus ending a 12-year suspension and marking a tangible diplomatic milestone for al-Assad.
Syrias Arab League Comeback: Breakthrough or Premature Decision?
Mediterranean Dialogues