Category: Blogs

Content

SyriaSource

Feb 17, 2016

What would Capturing al-Shaddadi from ISIS require?

By Mecid Mohamed

The Islamic State (ISIS) controls a city, al-Shaddadi, in the Hasaka province along the Syrian-Iraqi border which links to its territories in Deir Ezzor. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) took control of the town of al-Hawl, in eastern Hasaka near the Syrian-Iraqi border, on November 13, 2015. This opens the way for the SDF to […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 17, 2016

Washington and Moscow: A Secret Handshake?

By Frederic C. Hof

In the midst of a Russian military offensive, a suspended peace conference, and an escalating humanitarian catastrophe, the idea that all of this unfolds in accordance with a secret understanding between Moscow and Washington finds fertile soil in which to take root. It is probably by now an article of faith among most, if not […]

Syria

MENASource

Feb 17, 2016

The Four Real Security Challenges Facing Egypt

By H.A. Hellyer

In the lead up to the fifth anniversary of the January 25th revolutionary uprising, the Egyptian authorities reacted with a number of measures – many of which seem to assess the situation with a certain type of suspicious persistence. Indeed, the Ministry of Interior claimed it thwarted several plots by ‘foreign’ and ‘Brotherhood’ elements – […]

North Africa

MENASource

Feb 17, 2016

Top News: UNSC criticizes Turkey’s strikes in northern Syria

By MENASource

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council criticized Turkey for its strikes into northern Syria that are fueling fears of a serious escalation. As a rapid advance of US-backed Kurdish fighters seized new ground in northern Syria on Tuesday, Turkey fired artillery from across the border to try to halt their advances in northern Syria.

MENASource

Feb 17, 2016

Top News: Former Presidential Candidate Sabbahi Referred to Prosecution

By EgyptSource

Prosecutor General Nabil Sadek referred a report against former presidential candidate and founder of the Popular Current Hamdeen Sabbahi to prosecution for further investigation. Lawyer Ashraf Farahat accused Sabbahi of attempting to overthrow the regime and incite violence, in the wake of televised statements by the former candidate in January 2016.

MENASource

Feb 17, 2016

The YPG’s Next Move: A Two Front War for the Manbij Pocket

By Aaron Stein

The Kurdish-majority Democratic Union Party (PYD), its militia the YPG, and an allied Arab-majority rebel group called Jaysh al-Thuwar have swiftly expanded the territory they control in the Azaz corridor in northern Aleppo. In recent days, the YPG led force have taken control of the Menagh Airbase, Tel Rifaat, and reportedly is in the final […]

Turkey

MENASource

Feb 17, 2016

EconSource: OPEC Presses Iran, Iraq to Cap Crude Oil Production

By EconSource

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) increased pressure on Iran and Iraq on Wednesday to limit their oil production following a tentative deal between Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other oil producers to freeze output.

UkraineAlert

Feb 17, 2016

Making Sense of the Turmoil in Kyiv

By John E. Herbst

Turmoil in Kyiv continued as President Petro Poroshenko called on both Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin to resign on February 16. The President’s parliamentary faction then introduced a resolution in the Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, describing the performance of the cabinet of ministers, headed by Yatsenyuk, as inadequate. That measure passed, but […]

Ukraine

UkraineAlert

Feb 16, 2016

How to Reverse Putin’s Damage in Syria

By John E. Herbst

Moscow’s operation in Syria was designed to shore up the Assad regime, its long-time ally in the Middle East, from falling to various opposition forces, whose strongest elements were the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), the al-Qaeda affiliate Nusra Front, and other extremist Sunni groups. Over time this intervention has also given […]

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 16, 2016

Top News: February 16, 2016

By SyriaSource

Missiles in Syria kill 50 as schools and hospitals hitKurdish-led forces seize rebel town in AleppoRussian strategists play big role in SyriaMerkel backs no-fly zone in SyriaTurkey seeks allies’ support for ground operationTurkish media say Saudi Arabia, Turkey may strike in Syria

Syria
Load More

LIVE: The 2026 Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards

Learn more