Syria
Syrian-Lebanese food shortages will drive instability
Close cross-border connections link the Syrian drought and a lack of hard currency in Lebanon
SyriaState role will entrench Syrian-Lebanese drugs trade
The mounting crisis in the two neighbouring countries has resulted in new narcotics trends
SyriaBetter US ties are a short-term boost for Syrian Kurds
The administration in the northeast is facing multiple challenges
SyriaRussia seeks regional buy-in for its Syria plans
Moscow is using calibrated military firepower and complex diplomacy to persuade Syria's neighbours to back its solutions
RussiaSyria reconstruction prospects may deteriorate further
Economic constraints, including from COVID-19, have narrowed options
SyriaSyria will struggle to address acute energy shortages
As the economy hits rock-bottom, government-controlled areas suffer power cuts, empty petrol tanks and bread queues
SyriaNorth-east Syria’s frozen conflict will erode security
An uneasy balance with Moscow, Tehran and Ankara challenges the new US president’s counterterrorism focus
SyriaIslamic State may see a limited Iraq-Syria resurgence
The salafi-jihadist group has profited from COVID-19, but US policy shifts will change its operating environment in 2021
Iraq
