Op-Ed: How the US is losing Syria’s tribes to Iran
US support for the SDF in 2023 clashes in Deir e-Zor has provided Iran with a critical opportunity to expand its influence in Syria, researcher Ömer Özkizilcik writes.
23
07, 2024
16
07, 2024
As Ankara and Damascus inch closer, northeastern Syria stands to lose
Syrian-Turkish normalization would be a worst-case scenario for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which has called rapprochement a “great conspiracy” against the Syrian people.
4
07, 2024
Restrictions on local journalists in northeastern Syria multiply
For journalists, northeastern Syria is a minefield of unspoken red lines. While the AANES says it is committed to freedom of the press, restrictions have proliferated in recent years.
11
06, 2024
The war over AANES municipal elections in northeastern Syria
After facing major local, regional and international pushback—including a Turkish threat to invade northeastern Syria—the AANES postponed municipal elections scheduled for this week until August, citing “internal” reasons and "the demands of the political parties and alliances participating."
6
06, 2024
Wheat price ‘disaster’ in northeastern Syria spells trouble for next season
A sharp decrease in the wheat price set by the AANES sparked protests and has left northeastern Syria’s farmers questioning the economic viability of cultivating their land next season.
2
02, 2024
Fuel crisis and weak subsidies threaten Syria’s northeastern bread basket
Farmers in northeastern Syria are reducing the amount of land they cultivate or relying on the rain for irrigation as weak fuel subsidies and high costs make farming increasingly unprofitable.
7
11, 2023
Israel strikes and Iran mobilizes: Is further escalation likely in Syria?
Syria’s fronts with Israel remain relatively quiet, while intensified Israeli strikes and mobilization by Iran-linked forces in the country leave the door open to increased escalation.
10
10, 2023
Damascus absent as landmark torture case begins at World Court
A landmark torture case brought against Syria by Canada and the Netherlands began at the UN’s highest court on Tuesday—with Damascus absent. While it is not a criminal case, torture survivors and family members of Syria’s disappeared say it marks another milestone in their long, slow fight for accountability.
11
09, 2023
After Deir e-Zor’s clan revolt: ‘Lost prestige’ and fears of SDF domination
In Deir e-Zor province, nearly two weeks of clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Arab clans calling for self rule have come to an end, but residents are uneasy about what the future holds “after the clans were defanged.”
28
06, 2023
Kings of the Syrian sky: Falcon trafficking soars in northeastern Syria
Once a traditional hobby practiced by a few hunters, falcon trapping is now a booming business in Syria. After 12 years of war and economic crisis, the trade is more popular than ever, and hunters are willing to take growing risks to catch the birds.