On December 28, 2022, 1,000 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces and Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (NES), in coordination with the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS, launched a major operation to target ISIS cells in the Tel Hamis, Tel Barak, and Al-Hol regions of NES. TheContinue Reading
In a first for the region, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Autonomous Administration (AANES), and Democratic Union Party (PYD) received a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Bafel Talabani, the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party, Commander of Combined Joint Task Forces – Operation Inherent ResolveContinue Reading
The State Department praised Spain’s efforts to repatriate its citizens from North and East Syria, as the state became the first to repatriate individuals affiliated with ISIS in 2023, bringing two women and 13 children home. Days later, Barbados repatriated a female ISIS member and two children from the campContinue Reading
On January 10, 2023, a press conference was held between the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) and National Alliance For Syria (NAFS) in the city of Qamishli. Both parties jointly announced the results of a series of meetings held since December, in which the potential Erdogan-Assad reconciliation and its political, military,Continue Reading
SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi was hosted by Columbia University’s Director David Phillips in an informative discussion held on the “Security Situation in North and East Syria.” The recent Turkish escalation and airstrike campaign, along with the status of the anti-ISIS campaign, and relations with the US were at the forefrontContinue Reading
11 years have passed since the start of the Syrian Conflict, and Turkey’s approach to the conflict and its interests have evolved. With elections set for June, 2023 on the horizon, Turkey’s political leaders, both in government and opposition, have refocused their approach to Syria based on the goals ofContinue Reading
President of the Executive Committee of the Syrian Democratic Council Elham Ahmad was hosted by the Newlines Institute For Strategy and Policy in a panel discussion on the current situation in Syria, especially the Turkish threats, economic crisis, and the fight against ISIS. Elham Ahmad said that Turkey is attemptingContinue Reading
General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, held a press conference on July 15 to address the current military situation in the region. The issues of ISIS detainees, Turkey’s threats, and military coordination with the regime were all topics of discussion. Commander Mazloum stated that he is certainContinue Reading
The Middle East Institute hosted a panel on the issue of ISIS detainees, An Uncertain Future: Prospects for ISIS detainees in Syria and Iraq. The panel had speakers from both the Biden Administration and various NGOs and nonprofits that were involved in addressing the ISIS detainee issue, both fighters andContinue Reading
For the first time, France has repatriated some of its ISIS-affiliated adults from Syria. On July 12, 2022, the French government repatriated 35 children and 16 women from camps run by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Prior to this, France had repatriated only 35 children over theContinue Reading
“President Biden did not give a green light to a Turkish military operation in northern Syria,” said James Jeffrey, who was the US Special Envoy for Syria Engagement until late 2020.Continue Reading
Secretary Blinken gives first serious statement on Syria | UN Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield announces aid to Syria | Deputy Special Envoy celebrates Newroz and Akito in NES | William Roebuck says “ethnic cleansing” has happened under Turkey | AUMF moves closer to repeal | Ned Price fields question on Turkish abuses in Afrin | Special Envoy holds briefingContinue Reading
US Congress wants to do something for North and East Syria — if Mitch McConnell will allow it.Continue Reading
By popular request, a primer for beginners, to help you understand the election.Continue Reading
Ambassador Jeffrey’s recent remarks on US-Syria policy and bills in US Congress.Continue Reading
A guide to bills in US Congress that are relevant to North and East SyriaContinue Reading
A “robust discussion” and “open dispute” occurred between Trump and Senator James Risch following Turkey’s S-400 purchase.Continue Reading
There’s fresh talk of the Turkish threat to North and East Syria, as Turkey moves more troops and equipment to the Syria border in an apparent move to intimidate US troops stationed in Syria. This once again poses a grave threat to the people of the North and East Syria.Continue Reading
Latest US-Syria policy news impacting North and East SyriaContinue Reading
AANES continues to get the short shrift by its allies in the US.Continue Reading