Syria
Syrian government can consolidate, but not reconstruct
New ‘de-escalation zones’ have intensified confrontation with salafi-jihadist forces
SyriaLebanese army cooperation with Hezbollah carries risks
An offensive against salafi-jihadist militants near the Syrian border is stirring up anger on the refugee issue
LebanonIran-Israel hostility could upset southern Syria truce
Of four planned de-escalation zones, the southern one is moving forward fastest, after US-Russian agreement in Amman
SyriaIsrael fears Iranian encroachment via Syria
Intensified violence on the Syrian side is turning the Golan Heights into a flashpoint with Israel
IsraelSyrian peace talks will marginalise the rebels
The government has declared a unilateral ceasefire in the south, but opponents are deeply sceptical
SyriaLebanon could become less welcoming to refugees
After initially welcoming Syrian refugees, local residents have growing economic and security concerns
LebanonSyrian Kurds’ Raqqa progress makes them a target
US-backed forces have encircled Islamic State in Raqqa, but are vulnerable on other fronts
SyriaA new Syrian chemical attack is highly unlikely
The United States has drawn a new red line on use of chemical weapons
Syria
