Abdullah in Moscow: Jordan Sets Its Own Course on Syria
In-Depth Analysis On 23 August, King Abdullah II of Jordan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the side-lines of a military technology forum in Moscow to discuss bilateral cooperation, Afghanistan, and regional affairs, most notably the crisis in Syria. In brief public remarks delivered after their meeting, Abdullah praised Russia’s capacity to advance […]
Import Ban Aims to Curb Reserve Losses as Syrians Protest
In-Depth Analysis On 16 August, the Syrian Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade issued a six-month ban on the import of more than 20 commodities as part of a trade rationalisation scheme to protect dwindling reserves. Among the dizzying array of items prohibited under the ban are cell phones, residential air conditioners, construction materials […]
Subtle Changes as Al-Assad Appoints New Government
In-Depth Analysis On 10 August, Syrian state media reported that President Bashar al-Assad issued Decree No. 208 (2021), appointing a new cabinet with few changes. Hussein Arnous will remain Prime Minister, and only five new figures will enter the cabinet, which is being formed as a result of al-Assad’s re-election in May to serve […]
Hurras al-Din Lays Claim to Deadly Damascus Bus Blast
In-Depth Analysis On 4 August, Syrian state media reported that one person was killed and three were injured and taken to hospital after an explosion aboard a military bus carrying members of the elite Republican Guard in Damascus. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) claimed that the explosion was the result of a short […]
Dar’a Deal Collapses amid Violent Regional Escalation
In-Depth Analysis On 29 July, Government of Syria forces began a major military push in Dar’a al-Balad. Intense clashes broke out as the 4th Division, 9th Division, Military Security, and local militias sought to advance into the area amid heavy bombardment via surface-to-surface missiles, mortar shells, and tank fire, marking the deadliest and most […]
Autonomous Administration Calls for UN Political Recognition
In-Depth Analysis On 18 July, Elham Ahmad, the president of the Syrian Democratic Council executive committee, called for “official political recognition and inclusion [of the Autonomous Administration] in all dialogue regarding the country’s future.” Ahmad and the Autonomous Administration have called for the United Nations to recognise the political body as a standalone entity […]
Spotlight on Aid Sector Wages as Damascus Increases Salaries
In-Depth Analysis Inflation fears are high one week after the Government of Syria announced a 50 percent salary increase for public workers. The pay raise was announced on 11 July and will take effect in August (see: Syria Update 12 July 2021). The pay bump is a belated, partial response to the demands of […]
Duma Release Focuses Attention on the Explosive Detainee Issue
In-Depth Analysis On 5 June, local and media sources reported that hundreds of people gathered in Duma’s town square anticipating the release of detainees, as promised during the recent presidential elections by a prominent local sheikh on behalf of the Syrian Government. They left in disappointment and rage. Although local sources indicate that as many […]
Deadly SDF Crackdown as Conscription Sparks Menbij Unrest
In-Depth Analysis On 1 June, media sources reported that between six and eight people were killed, and at least 25 injured in Menbij when Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) sought to quell public demonstrations against military conscription. The protests flared in response to the implementation of a 3 May conscription decree issued by the Autonomous Administration […]
