While Russian-Syrian relations seem to be closer than ever, the war in Ukraine can change the strategic balance in and around Syria for good.
Bashar al-Assad
Many consider Russia to be behind the latest round of regime infighting. But does a recent flurry of articles in Russian media criticising Assad really suggest that the Kremlin’s attitudes towards the Syrian president are cooling?
Syria expert Bassma Kodmani explains the recent conflict between Assad and his cousin Makhlouf – and calls on Europe to take advantage of Russia’s discontent with the Syrian regime.
The modern view of Alawites in Syria has been largely shaped by their relation to its rulers.
Europe needs to be more actively engaged to help bring about peace in Syria, writes Michel Duclos.
Without a proper appraisal of the past, the violence in Middle East will continue to echo throughout the region and cause ever greater devastation.
The extremist Islamic State group has exploited its takeover and destruction of the Palmyra military prison for its propaganda purposes. To understand why this has been so effective, one needs to look back at what happened there in the summer of 1980.