Publications

Syria Situation Report: February 19 - March 3, 2020

March 5, 2020 - Michael Land

The following Syria Situation Report (SITREP) Map summarizes significant developments in the war in Syria during the period Feruary 19 - March 3, 2020.

Opposition Insurgents Begin Seizing Terrain in Southern Syria

March 2, 2020 - Michael Land

The Syrian armed opposition insurgency in Dera'a demonstrated its growing strength on March 1 by seizing several Assad regime military positions in the province in reaction to a large regime security operation in the north of the province.

Iraq Situation Report: February 20 - 25, 2020

March 2, 2020 - Brandon Wallace

ISW is assessing the ongoing unrest and its effects on political-security dynamics in Iraq. The Iraq Situation Report (SITREP) map series summarizes key events and likely developments to come. The following SITREP map covers the period February 20 - 25, 2020.

Iraq Situation Report: February 13 - 19, 2020

February 27, 2020 - Brandon Wallace

ISW is assessing the ongoing unrest and its effects on political-security dynamics in Iraq. The Iraq Situation Report (SITREP) map series summarizes key events and likely developments to come. The following SITREP map covers the period February 13 - 19, 2020.

Russia in Review: The Kremlin's Fake De-escalation in Donbas

February 24, 2020 - ISW Press

The Kremlin is successfully posturing as a legitimate, impartial mediator for the war in Donbas despite being a belligerent in the conflict. Claims that the Kremlin-initiated peace process is stabilizing the war in Donbas misrepresent the reality of the Kremlin’s actions and objectives.

Syria Situation Report: February 5 - 18, 2020

February 21, 2020 - Michael Land

The following Syria Situation Report (SITREP) Map summarizes significant developments in the war in Syria during the period February 5 - 18, 2020

Iraq Situation Report: February 7 - 12, 2020

February 21, 2020 - Brandon Wallace

Confrontation between protesters and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) flared in Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, after protesters there demanded the government hold a referendum on newly designated Prime Minister (PM) Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi. Protesters likely felt emboldened to demand new change when the PM-designate met with popular, former CTS commander Lieutenant General Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, whose firing was a major spark for the start of mass protests in October. Three days after the demand for a referendum, unidentified ISF used live ammunition to disperse protesters blocking access to al-Ain University buildings in Nasiriyah.

Russia Enables New Syrian Regime Offensive in Idlib

February 7, 2020 - Michael Land

The pro-regime coalition is poised to make further gains in Greater Idlib province, adding on to already substantial territorial advances. Russia will govern the speed at which these advances happen based on its political calculus, both in Syria and elsewhere. The conflict has the potential to escalate dramatically, posing a risk to the U.S. and its allies.

Syria Situation Report: January 21 - February 4, 2020

February 7, 2020 - Michael Land

The following Syria Situation Report (SITREP) Map summarizes significant developments in the war in Syria during the period January 21-February 4, 2020.

Russia in Review: Belarus Update: Lukashenko Uses Oil Tariffs to Delay Integration with Russia

February 4, 2020 - Mason Clark

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is using energy policy in his latest efforts to resist growing Russian pressure to integrate into Russia-dominated structures. Lukashenko’s efforts to diversify Belarusian oil imports will likely provide him with sufficient leverage to secure higher payments from Russia on Russian oil transiting Belarus. However, Lukashenko lacks leverage on the issue of Russian gas subsidies to Belarus. Lukashenko will not, in the long run, be able to prevent further integration with Russia.

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