Publications

Iraq Situation Report: January 7 - 9, 2020

January 14, 2020 - ISW Press

Iranian proxies’ behavior in Iraq indicates that Iran may be organizing a new effort to expel U.S. forces violently follow the strike against Qassem Soleimani.

Iraq Situation Report: January 4 - 6, 2020

January 10, 2020 -

The latest Iraq Situation Report summarizes the key reactions to the U.S.'s self-defense strike against Qassem Suleimani inside Iraq, where Iranian proxies have been targeting American forces and facilities for months.

Iranian Escalation Timeline

January 10, 2020 - ISW Press

Iran launched a series of attacks targeting the U.S. and its interests beginning in May 2019. Its escalations occurred in phases and were part of an orchestrated campaign to achieve the Iranian regime's objectives.

Iraq's Parliament Votes to End U.S. Troop Presence in Iraq

January 5, 2020 - ISW Press

Iraq’s Parliament, the Council of Representatives (CoR), passed a non-binding resolution to cancel the request for military aid from the government of Iraq to the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition.

Ukraine and the Normandy Four Meeting

December 9, 2019 - Nataliya Bugayova

The West, Germany and France, must ensure that Russia does not pressure Ukraine into compromising its sovereignty at the December 9 Normandy Four talks in Paris. Nataliya Bugayova, with George Barros, breaks down Vladimir Putin's goals and the necessary response.

Russia's Dead-End Diplomacy in Syria

November 21, 2019 - Jennifer Cafarella

Syria's Assad is the primary obstacle to peace in Syria. The U.S. has for too long, and with little basis, expected Russia to compel Assad to accept a genuine diplomatic process to end the war. Given Russia's intent, it is time for the U.S. to widen its aperture for what diplomacy in Syria can and should achieve.

Map: Russia Expands Air Presence in Northeast Syria

November 20, 2019 - John Dunford

Russia established a permanent rotary-wing headquarters and support structure at Qamishli Airport on November 14 and likely intends to deploy new air defense systems to the area, enabling it to further contest the U.S. position in Eastern Syria.

Map: Russian Military Police Reinforce Two Front Lines with Turkish Forces

November 13, 2019 - ISW Press

President Trump met with Turkish President Erdogan on November 13 to discuss the situation in Syria. In recent weeks, Turkey has continued to expand its offensive in the northeast, prompting Russia and the Assad regime to strengthen their positions along frontlines and along the Syria-Turkey border.

The Kremlin's Inroads After the Africa Summit

November 8, 2019 - ISW Press

Vladimir Putin is using Russia’s campaign in Africa to support a range of strategic objectives. His latest push surrounding the Russia-Africa summit focused on security cooperation, the information space, nuclear energy exports, and access to natural resources.

Iraq Situation Report: November 1-4, 2019

November 6, 2019 - ISW Press

Protests continued to grow in Baghdad and southern Iraq after Iran intervened to block the resignation or ouster of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mehdi in a no-confidence vote. Backlash against Iranian influence among Iraqis is intensifying in Karbala and Baghdad.

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