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Iran and Russia are preparing to attack the U.S. and its primary ground partner - the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - in Eastern Syria. These threats may coerce the SDF to abandon its relationship with the U.S. and instead cut a deal with the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged from June 24, 2018 snap elections poised to dominate the next decade of politics in Turkey. Erdogan is empowered to further consolidate his domestic power and degrade the rule of law at the expense of his political opponents. The U.S. will face a more nationalistic and more intransigent Turkey.
The U.S. and Afghanistan have an opportunity to advance their strategic goal of negotiating an acceptable settlement with the Taliban. Large numbers of rank-and-file militants expressed their support for peace during unprecedented joint celebrations amidst a nationwide ceasefire for Eid al-Fitr on June 15 - 17.
ISW's Director of Intelligence Planning Jennifer Cafarella spoke to the National Security Law Center at the University of Virginia Law School on June 15, 2018 regarding the war in Syria.
Listen to her remarks below:
Russia has successfully expanded its influence in Egypt – historically a U.S. partner. Russia has moved to build an industrial zone in Egypt, cut energy deals, increased weapons sales to Cairo, and obtained Egypt’s diplomatic support on key regional initiatives.
The latest joint ISW-Syria Direct SITREP map depicts key developments in the war in Syria during the period May 2-29, 2018.
Iraqi Shi'a cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and other key powerbrokers are in negotiations to form a governing coalition with a majority of seats in Iraq's parliament following the May 2018 election.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is proud to co-sponsor the 2018 Asymmetric Threat Symposium being held on October 17, 2018 at Valo Park in McLean, Virginia.
ISW Board Chairman Jack Keane and Danielle Pletka: The president stood by his word and didn’t tolerate the Syrian dictator’s use of weapons of mass destruction. But while the recent strike on Syria was important and necessary—it was far from sufficient.
ISW's latest map assessing Iranian and Russian positions in Southwest Syria near the Israeli and Jordanian borders (April 2018).