Can Russia Broker a Syrian Peace Deal?
There is little doubt that the super-power in the Syrian situation is Russia, and that – despite recent US efforts to bolster the UN’s Geneva peace-seeking initiative – the final…
American Presence in Post-ISIS Syria Remains Unlikely and Here Is Why
According to media reports, the Trump Administration is exploring options to maintain an American military presence on the ground in northern Syria after the expulsion of the Islamic State in…
“De-escalation” Zones in Syria – Should We Be Sceptical?
On Saturday, 06 May 2017 starts yet another effort to stop some of the carnage in Syria – the establishment of four what the Russians are calling “de-escalation” zones, a…
Syria Safe-Zones-Plan Takes Effect
RUSSIA, IRAN AND TURKEY have agreed to a memorandum establishing four safe zones across the north, central, and southern parts of Syria. This plan took effect on 05 May at 21:00…
Russia Grants 9 Arab Countries Visa-Free Entry
The Russian government released on Monday a list of 18 countries whose citizens have been granted the right to enter far-east Russia without an official entry visa; this list includes…
Assad in the Ascendant?
Back in the glory days of the so-called “Arab Spring”, when Middle Eastern dictators were falling like ninepins, it seemed that the overthrow of Ben Ali of Tunisia, Mubarak of…
Aleppo: Symbol of Action and Inaction
SYRIA – Assad army, backed by Russian and Iranian allies, has recaptured the city of Aleppo, which might be a major victory for President Assad in Syria’s six-year-long civil war.…
A Trump-Putin Axis?
US President-elect Donald Trump admires Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. That much became clear during Trump’s presidential campaign, as did his intention when in office to repair the US’s damaged relations…
The War Criminals of Syria
“It is difficult to deny that Russia is partnering with the Syrian regime to carry out war crimes.” This is the charge laid by the British ambassador to the UN,…
Cessation of Hostilities in Syria – Was John Kerry Outplayed?
One week ago, I wrote an article titled The U.S.-Russia brokered ceasefire in Syria – are we being naive? which I closed with this thought: “These [ceasefire monitoring] working groups…