Syria

Security Cooperation
commentary
Can America Weaken the Russia-Iran Axis?
Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh
Jul 31, 2020
Newsweek
America's slow-motion retreat in Syria could embolden Iran and Russia and perhaps lead them to underestimate U.S. resolve to protect its interests in the Middle East. Clearer U.S. priorities and more deliberate engagement could reduce risk and help avoid miscalculation.
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Syria
commentary
With Rollout of Caesar Sanctions on Syria, U.S. Is Just Getting Started in New Bid to End War
Howard J. Shatz @HowardJShatz
Jul 22, 2020
RealClearDefense
In June, the U.S. government announced the implementation of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act with a flurry of sanctions against 39 people and entities connected with the Assad regime. There is much more to come. Syria, and Russia and Iran, have not yet felt the Caesar Act in full force.
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Air Defense
commentary
Drone-Era Warfare Shows the Operational Limits of Air Defense Systems
John V. Parachini, Peter A. Wilson
Jul 2, 2020
RealClearDefense
External powers have intervened in the civil wars in Libya and Syria, supplying advanced conventional weapons that have intensified the conflicts. But not all of the weapons have performed as claimed.
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Russia
commentary
Russia Is Eyeing the Mediterranean. The U.S. and NATO Must Be Prepared
Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh, Bradley Martin, Bruce McClintock @BHMcClintock
Jun 30, 2020
Newsweek
Russia is seeking more access and freedom of movement in the Mediterranean region, and is bolstering its military footprint to achieve this objective. The United States and NATO could respond by developing a more robust southern strategy, with a reinforced air and naval presence, respectively.
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Russia
commentary
Russia's Challenge and Syria's Chance
Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh
May 20, 2020
Newsweek
With much of Syria lying in ruins, Russia can back a revived United Nations–led peacemaking process, or see the West rebuff its appeals for large-scale aid. If Russia chooses wisely, the West, wealthy Gulf countries, and China could help. If Moscow procrastinates, the West may withhold assistance and continue cooperation with regional partners.
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Iran
commentary
Iran Claws Back Its Regional Influence
Jordan R. Reimer @Jordan_R_Reimer
Jan 17, 2020
The World Post
Last year, Iran faced protests at home as well as in Iraq and Lebanon, where thousands rallied against Tehran's regional hegemony. But with its recent machinations and the fallout over the killing of Soleimani, Iran has succeeded in changing the regional conversation.
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International Diplomacy
blog
Most Popular RAND Blog Commentary of 2019
Dec 23, 2019
Terrorism. The humanitarian crisis at the border. How to engage friends and foes on the world stage. Here are the top 10 commentaries that readers engaged with most on The RAND Blog in 2019.
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Domestic Terrorism
blog
White Supremacist Terrorism, Wildfires, the Dark Web: RAND Weekly Recap
Nov 1, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on violent white supremacy, power outages to prevent wildfires, how to catch criminals on the dark web, and more.
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Syria
commentary
Russia's Risky Game Plan for Syria
Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh
Oct 29, 2019
The National Interest
It will take time to assess the extent to which Russia has “won“ in Syria. Absent a peaceful end to the conflict and an infusion of large-scale Western aid, downside risks for Russia could take some of the bloom off of its rose in Syria.
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Syria
blog
The Syria Withdrawal, Climate Policy, Drones: RAND Weekly Recap
Oct 25, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on the effects of the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, one expert's take on climate policy, how drones could help get blood to soldiers who need it, and more.
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The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization)
commentary
How the U.S. Withdrawal from Syria Provides a Boost to ISIS
Colin P. Clarke
Oct 21, 2019
Fox News Channel
President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria could provide the ISIS terrorist group with the time and space to regrow its organization and extend its networks throughout the Middle East. The longer-term strategic effects of the decision could reverberate in the region for years to come.
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Peacekeeping and Stability Operations
commentary
The Syrian Withdrawal: Where Things Stand
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins, Jeffrey Martini
Oct 21, 2019
Fox News
Without an orderly process for its national security decisions, the Trump administration has defaulted to the worst option regarding Syria. The sudden withdrawal of U.S. forces has left an opening for Russia to exploit. It also left the Kurds, a U.S. partner, to fend off a Turkish assault.
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Peacekeeping and Stability Operations
commentary
Indecision in Washington Compounded the Kurds' Dilemma
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins, Jeffrey Martini
Oct 18, 2019
The Hill
Core qualities of statesmanship and statecraft have been notably lacking in charting the U.S. administration's Syria end game. This has compounded the unavoidable costs of withdrawal with charges of betrayal and a retreat under fire.
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Israel
commentary
Israel’s War with Iran May Be Going Too Far
Dalia Dassa Kaye
Sep 16, 2019
The National Interest
Israel has a right to defend itself from Iranian threats to its country. American leaders should consider balancing support for Israel's efforts to counter Iran with firm redlines about activities negatively impacting American interests.
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Iran
commentary
Syria Changed the Iranian Way of War
Ariane M. Tabatabai
Aug 16, 2019
Foreign Affairs
To get a sense of the playbook that Tehran might consult in any future conflict with the United States, Washington should pay close attention to what the Iranians have learned in Syria.
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Homelessness
blog
ISIS, Homelessness, India's Election: RAND Weekly Recap
Jun 7, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on what can be done about ISIS detainees, a program that helps reduce homelessness, Modi's reelection in India, and more.
Read More »

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Syria

Can America Weaken the Russia-Iran Axis?

With Rollout of Caesar Sanctions on Syria, U.S. Is Just Getting Started in New Bid to End War

Drone-Era Warfare Shows the Operational Limits of Air Defense Systems

Russia Is Eyeing the Mediterranean. The U.S. and NATO Must Be Prepared

Russia's Challenge and Syria's Chance

Iran Claws Back Its Regional Influence

Most Popular RAND Blog Commentary of 2019

White Supremacist Terrorism, Wildfires, the Dark Web: RAND Weekly Recap

Russia's Risky Game Plan for Syria

The Syria Withdrawal, Climate Policy, Drones: RAND Weekly Recap

How the U.S. Withdrawal from Syria Provides a Boost to ISIS

The Syrian Withdrawal: Where Things Stand

Indecision in Washington Compounded the Kurds' Dilemma

Israel’s War with Iran May Be Going Too Far

Syria Changed the Iranian Way of War

ISIS, Homelessness, India's Election: RAND Weekly Recap

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