In-depth coverage of the many facets of the ongoing war in Syria, featuring reporting, analysis, expert interviews and commentary. https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/rss en Displacement Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Mon, 14 May 2018 12:20:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/14/a-look-at-the-remaining-rebel-territory-in-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/14/a-look-at-the-remaining-rebel-territory-in-syria After recapturing the Eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus in April, the Syrian government has worked to retake a significant portion of formerly besieged rebel holdouts in the country. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Government & Pro-Government Forces Tue, 08 May 2018 09:40:00 +0000 Mona Alami https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/05/08/iran-israel-tensions-unlikely-to-evolve-into-conventional-warfare https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/05/08/iran-israel-tensions-unlikely-to-evolve-into-conventional-warfare Tehran has prioritized lower cost, disruptive and asymmetric warfare since at least the Iran-Iraq war, and tensions with Israel over its buildup in Syria are unlikely to change that, writes Levant researcher and journalist Mona Alami. Displacement Fri, 04 May 2018 11:35:02 +0000 Maja Janmyr https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/05/04/why-lebanon-objects-to-calls-for-voluntary-return-of-syrians-2 https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/05/04/why-lebanon-objects-to-calls-for-voluntary-return-of-syrians-2 As Lebanon holds elections, key politicians have stepped up tough talk on returning Syrian refugees. Maja Janmyr unpacks the political and legal basis of Lebanese opposition to refugee integration and to the international demand that returns must be voluntary. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Fri, 04 May 2018 07:10:00 +0000 Yossi Melman https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/05/04/a-war-between-iran-and-israel-is-not-on-the-horizon https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/05/04/a-war-between-iran-and-israel-is-not-on-the-horizon A look at the intentions and capabilities of Israel and Iran suggest that the two states are looking to avoid a conflict, rather than spark one, writes Israeli security and intelligence commentator Yossi Melman. Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Tue, 01 May 2018 09:10:00 +0000 Youmna al-Dimashqi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/01/the-civilian-cost-of-syrias-new-battle-against-isis https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/05/01/the-civilian-cost-of-syrias-new-battle-against-isis Civilians residing in the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp south of Damascus are caught in fierce fighting between government forces and ISIS militants, while being deprived of healthcare, food and medical supplies. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Fri, 27 Apr 2018 10:20:00 +0000 Patrick Hilsman https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/27/russian-and-israeli-military-relations-remain-durable-despite-strain https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/27/russian-and-israeli-military-relations-remain-durable-despite-strain The latest Israeli airstrike on the T4 airbase and the possibility of Russia providing Damascus with an S-300 missile system have strained relations between Moscow and Tel Aviv. But these developments are unlikely to break down this strategic partnership or spark further escalation. ISIS Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 26 Apr 2018 09:10:00 +0000 Neil Hauer https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/26/north-caucasian-militants-may-be-seeking-syria-exit https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/26/north-caucasian-militants-may-be-seeking-syria-exit They were once a formidable fighting force in Syria. But it appears that the era of North Caucasian jihadist fighters is drawing to a close, as many scale back on military activities in the country, writes intelligence analyst Neil Hauer. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Tue, 24 Apr 2018 07:30:00 +0000 Samer Abboud https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/24/why-an-arab-stabilization-force-would-destabilize-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/24/why-an-arab-stabilization-force-would-destabilize-syria The deployment of an Arab force in Syria, at a time when most regional states have started to reduce their involvement, would risk direct confrontation between intervening powers, writes Syria researcher and professor Samer Abboud. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Government & Pro-Government Forces Mon, 23 Apr 2018 10:10:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran, Alessandria Masi, Kim Bode https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/23/deeply-talks-making-sense-of-the-syria-strike https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/23/deeply-talks-making-sense-of-the-syria-strike Syria Deeply’s editors weigh in on this month’s missile strike by the U.S., the U.K. and France in the latest installment of SD’s Deeply Talks series. Civil Society Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Alaa https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/16/what-red-lines-and-foreign-intervention-look-like-for-syrian-civilians https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/16/what-red-lines-and-foreign-intervention-look-like-for-syrian-civilians Alaa, a civil society worker who has been in Damascus since the start of the conflict, weighs in on the impact and the perception of civilians on the ground have of U.S. and Russian foreign intervention in Syria. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Government & Pro-Government Forces Mon, 16 Apr 2018 07:30:00 +0000 Youmna al-Dimashqi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/16/for-many-syrians-missile-strikes-will-have-little-impact https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/16/for-many-syrians-missile-strikes-will-have-little-impact Some Syrians were expecting larger strikes on Syria in response to last week’s suspected chemical weapons attack. Others were hoping for no response at all. Many, however, said the strikes would have little impact on the balance of power on the ground. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Government & Pro-Government Forces Sat, 14 Apr 2018 14:30:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran, Alessandria Masi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/14/expert-views-impact-of-the-syrian-missile-strike https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/14/expert-views-impact-of-the-syrian-missile-strike Saturday’s missile strike on Syria may temporarily deter the Syrian government from using chemical weapons but it will not alter the trajectory of the seven-year-long war, experts from Syria Deeply’s community said. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Government & Pro-Government Forces Sat, 14 Apr 2018 13:30:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/14/strike-in-syria-what-we-know https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/14/strike-in-syria-what-we-know Here is what we know so far about the largest intervention by western powers against the Syrian government since the start of the conflict. Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:10:00 +0000 Alessandria Masi, Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/13/what-we-know-about-the-suspected-chemical-weapon-attack-in-east-ghouta https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/13/what-we-know-about-the-suspected-chemical-weapon-attack-in-east-ghouta Syria Deeply answers some of the big questions surrounding the suspected poison gas attack in Douma last week, and the wider issue of chemical weapon use in Syria. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Displacement Fri, 13 Apr 2018 07:10:00 +0000 Zouhir Al-Shimale, Areeb Ullah https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/13/too-little-too-late-doumas-displaced-on-possible-u-s-action https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/13/too-little-too-late-doumas-displaced-on-possible-u-s-action Eastern Ghouta residents welcome possible western action against the Assad government but are unsure if it will bring about long-term benefits. Displacement Government & Pro-Government Forces Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Thu, 12 Apr 2018 14:20:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/12/analysis-how-eastern-ghouta-fell-to-pro-government-forces https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/12/analysis-how-eastern-ghouta-fell-to-pro-government-forces A look at how five years of siege, increased airstrikes, a fierce ground operation, a string of evacuation deals and a suspected chemical attack led to the fall of the rebel stronghold in the Damascus suburbs. Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:50:00 +0000 Jenny Morber https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/11/expert-views-beyond-a-top-down-approach-to-aleppos-reconstruction https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/11/expert-views-beyond-a-top-down-approach-to-aleppos-reconstruction As the Syrian government presses on with reconstruction plans for the northern city of Aleppo, Syria Deeply’s expert community warns against excluding residents from the rehabilitation process. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Wed, 11 Apr 2018 10:20:00 +0000 Ibrahim al-Marashi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/11/trump-rhetoric-on-syria-is-a-likely-distraction-from-washington-woes https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/11/trump-rhetoric-on-syria-is-a-likely-distraction-from-washington-woes Last year Trump attacked Syria at a time when he was facing a domestic crisis. The U.S. president is in a similar situation now, writes Associate Professor of Middle East History Ibrahim al-Marashi. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Mon, 09 Apr 2018 13:00:00 +0000 Areeb Ullah https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/09/analysis-strike-on-syrian-base-likely-unrelated-to-alleged-douma-gas-attack https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/09/analysis-strike-on-syrian-base-likely-unrelated-to-alleged-douma-gas-attack The motives behind a suspected Israeli missile attack on a Syrian airbase have more to do with containing Iran than punishing the Syrian government for using chemical weapons, writes journalist Areeb Ullah. War Economy Fri, 06 Apr 2018 13:50:00 +0000 Jett Goldsmith https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/06/after-decree-66-some-residents-fear-reconstruction-means-eviction https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/06/after-decree-66-some-residents-fear-reconstruction-means-eviction Construction has begun in the Basateen el-Razi district in southwestern Damascus, under a government development plan. Experts warn though that construction efforts are not geared towards repair and recovery. Displacement Fri, 06 Apr 2018 13:30:00 +0000 Hanan Elbadawi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/06/the-second-exodus-tracing-the-footsteps-of-palestinian-refugees-in-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/04/06/the-second-exodus-tracing-the-footsteps-of-palestinian-refugees-in-syria An estimated 550,000 Palestinian refugees registered in Syria are now facing secondary displacement due to the conflict, and many of them are facing deteriorating conditions and a protection gap in host countries, writes humanitarian expert Hanan Elbadawi. ISIS Wed, 04 Apr 2018 12:20:00 +0000 Emily Burchfield https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/04/analysis-washington-still-has-work-to-do-in-former-isis-territories https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/04/04/analysis-washington-still-has-work-to-do-in-former-isis-territories Before the U.S. pulls out of Syria, Washington needs to address a governance gap left in some former ISIS territories. Otherwise, marginalized Arab communities will likely ally with the Syrian government or extremist forces, writes Emily Burchfield of the Atlantic Council. Civil Society Health Fri, 30 Mar 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Abdullah https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/30/personal-essay-caring-for-mental-health-under-the-bombs https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/30/personal-essay-caring-for-mental-health-under-the-bombs In this installment of our series of diaries from Syrian care providers, Abdullah, a psychosocial community health worker with a local partner of the International Rescue Committee in Idlib, discusses his work helping families cope with depression and other mental health issues that are rampant across the city. Displacement Thu, 29 Mar 2018 12:10:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran, Youmna al-Dimashqi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/29/fears-and-farewells-the-road-from-ghouta-to-idlib https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/29/fears-and-farewells-the-road-from-ghouta-to-idlib For the tens of thousands of evacuees from the East Ghouta suburbs of Damascus, the road from the opposition enclave to Idlib was fraught with challenges. Reaching the northern province, however, has done little to ease their fears and concerns. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Displacement Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:30:00 +0000 Marika Sosnowski https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/28/besiege-bombard-retake-reconciliation-agreements-in-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/28/besiege-bombard-retake-reconciliation-agreements-in-syria So-called reconciliation deals have become a coercive tool for the Syrian government to reclaim areas that have fallen outside its control, writes lawyer and researcher Marika Sosnowski. Government & Pro-Government Forces Human Rights Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:20:00 +0000 Youmna al-Dimashqi https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/23/we-are-waiting-for-death-voices-from-ghoutas-underground-bunker https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/23/we-are-waiting-for-death-voices-from-ghoutas-underground-bunker Tens of thousands of people have fled the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus in recent weeks. Many of the hundreds of thousands who remain, however, are hiding in underground shelters, with little access to food, water and sunlight. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Fri, 23 Mar 2018 10:40:00 +0000 Suraj Sharma https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/23/analysis-despite-gains-turkey-could-still-stumble-in-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/23/analysis-despite-gains-turkey-could-still-stumble-in-syria The capture of the Kurdish enclave of Afrin marked a significant victory for Turkey in Syria. But a major expansion of Ankara’s offensive to other Kurdish enclaves could squander recent gains, writes journalist Suraj Sharma for Middle East Eye. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Human Rights Thu, 22 Mar 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Mohammed Alaa Ghanem https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/03/22/when-cease-fires-become-part-of-military-strategies-in-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/03/22/when-cease-fires-become-part-of-military-strategies-in-syria Instead of trumpeting each new cease-fire as a step toward peace, the international community needs to understand how integral they are to the Syrian regime’s military strategy, writes Syrian academic Mohammed Alaa Ghanem. Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Human Rights Wed, 21 Mar 2018 13:40:00 +0000 Alessandria Masi, Hashem Osseiran, Kim Bode https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/03/21/expert-views-how-seven-years-of-war-in-syria-changed-modern-conflict https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/community/2018/03/21/expert-views-how-seven-years-of-war-in-syria-changed-modern-conflict As the war in Syria marked its seventh anniversary this month, Syria Deeply’s expert community weighed in on what the conflict can teach us about 21st-century wars. Opposition Groups & Rebel Forces Fri, 16 Mar 2018 13:30:00 +0000 Hashem Osseiran https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/16/eastern-ghouta-rebels-on-the-brink-of-defeat https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2018/03/16/eastern-ghouta-rebels-on-the-brink-of-defeat Seven years after residents of Eastern Ghouta took to the streets in anti-regime protests, pro-government forces are advancing on the rebel-held enclave in a significant step toward retaking control of the entire country.