Middle East

646 publications

Syria during 2022

Syria during 2022

An analytical report released by the Jusoor Center for Studies monitors the various stages that the Syrian issue went through during 2022, politically, militarily and economically. The report addresses the political process, the movements of the Astana track, the UN Security Council meetings on Syria, the policies of international actors, and others.

Why did Emirati FM again fly to Damascus?

Why did Emirati FM again fly to Damascus?

An Emirati delegation headed by the United Arab Emirates foreign minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Al Nahyan on January 4, 2023 made a visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, and met the head of the Syrian regime, Bashar al -Assad. This visit is the second to Syria after the return of diplomatic relations between the two parties late 2018.

Resources of HTS: Current Estimates and Future Prospects

Resources of HTS: Current Estimates and Future Prospects

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a unique model for gaining resources; where it relied earlier on "spoils" and what was confiscated from its opponents. When these resources dried up, HTS moved towards smuggling and jumble sale. However, as soon as the above-mentioned resource ended up, Tahrir al-Sham began trading goods and controlling crossings.

Map of influence and crossings in the Syrian opposition areas

Map of influence and crossings in the Syrian opposition areas

During 2022, the Syrian opposition maintained its areas of control in northern and southern Syria without any new changes at the expense of the Syrian regime forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, on the other hand, some changes occurred in the map of internal influence within the areas controlled by the factions, specifically in northwestern Syria.

The Israeli strikes in Syria during 2022

The Israeli strikes in Syria during 2022

In 2013, Israel started launching air strikes on Syria, which fall within the strategy of the "Campaign between Wars (CBW)"; where it considers it necessary to weaken the capabilities of the enemy (Iran and its militias or military units) and respond to threats outside the borders.

Possible US mechanisms for implementing the Captagon Act in Syria

Possible US mechanisms for implementing the Captagon Act in Syria

On December 24, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the National Defence Authorisation Act into law just before Christmas. It includes a mandate requiring US agencies to target the Captagon drug trade in Syria through developing a co-ordinated approach.

Why did the Syrian regime issue the third amnesty decree for crimes in 2022?

Why did the Syrian regime issue the third amnesty decree for crimes in 2022?

On December 21, 2022, the Syrian regime issued a conditional amnesty that pardons draft dodgers. It is claimed that such an amnesty would help Syrians who escaped the mandatory military service, whether if they are still inside the country or abroad. It also applies to penalties of misdemeanors.

Indications of Iran's link to the third cell phone operator in Syria

Indications of Iran's link to the third cell phone operator in Syria

The Syrian regime announced granting the license to a third cell phone operator in February 2022. Although the Syrian regime's government confirmed that the operating company is completely local under the name “Wafa Telecom”, an investigation in December revealed that the license was granted to a Malaysian company owned by an officer in the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Russia and restructuring the Syrian regime forces: Obstacles and alternatives

Russia and restructuring the Syrian regime forces: Obstacles and alternatives

The Syrian regime attached great importance to the army. It took the slogan “No sound is louder than the battle's one” as an instrument for harnessing all the material and human capabilities to serve the effectiveness of the army's operations in order to maintain its control over the country's areas. The regime also works hard to take advantage of the above-mentioned slogan to serve its regional a

The course of restoring relations between the UAE and the Syrian regime

The course of restoring relations between the UAE and the Syrian regime

Since 2017, it has been clear that the UAE has become closer to the Syrian regime. Abu Dhabi modified its position and reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018. Later, the UAE improved its political and economic relations with the regime, culminating in a visit by the Emirati foreign minister to Damascus, and al-Assad's visit to the UAE.