Inside >> No. 20

Autonomous Russia Recruits More Turkey and Jordan In Rare Move, Administration Fuel Syrians to Guard Intercept Major Sanctioned Price Hike Triggers Oil Infrastructure Narcotics Shipments Dutch Company Deadly Protests in Libya from Removed from U.S. Tripling the price of fuel Russian forces at Increased narcotics Sanctions List ignited protests even in Hmeimim Airbase exports are a sign of The removal is an stalwart areas recruited 400 fighters to Syria’s narco-state important step in Pg 4 guard sites in area held transformation using sanctions for by Khalifa Haftar Pg 5 change, but “leverage” Pg 4 remains elusive Pg 5 24 May 2021 | Vol. 4 | 24 May 2021 | Vol.

Abkhazia’s Leader Quneitra Evacuation 28 Percent Uptick Meets al-Assad Grows as More in Displacements as The President of Seek Exit from March Sees 40,000 Abkhazia visits Syria Syria’s South IDP Movements to discuss and develop The number of people OCHA Reported 40,000 date economic and political leaving southern Syria Internal Displacement cooperation has increased markedly Movements throughout Pg 6 Pg 6 Syria in March Pg 7

Amid Violence, Syria’s Presidential Election Kicks off in Lebanon

> Page 2 Syria Up

Weekly Political, Economic, and Security Outlook Political, Weekly Syrians in Lebanon queue to vote absentee in Syria’s presidential election. Image courtesy of Syrian Arab News Agency. 02 Syria Update | In-Depth Analysis

ntercommunal do show that the terms of debate the impression that a large majority tensions between may be changing. In the past, of Syrians in Lebanon also support Syrians and the intercommunal tensions and violent al-Assad. Particularly given the host community in events between Lebanese and pressures on Syrians, it is wrong Lebanon reached Syrians were triggered primarily by to equate a vote for al-Assad with >a troubling flashpoint on 20 May personal disputes, labour issues, and actual support for Syria’s ruling amid violentI partisan attacks on other contingent factors. Violence regime. Yet that nuance is likely to Syrians participating from abroad in surrounding the Syrian election is be lost, especially in Lebanon, where their country’s presidential election. now a likely sign that refugees in a political and economic implosion Multiple video clips circulated the country will be forced to contend has aggravated social frictions on social media showing groups with social pressure on a widening, of all types. The latest violence of Lebanese violently confronting partisan basis as well. may normalise violence against Syrians — in some cases hurling Syrians in Lebanon or increase stones and smashing vehicles — as Although some Syrians in Lebanon tensions among Syrians of various they made their way to cast ballots at do support al-Assad, it is crucial to political persuasions. the Syrian Embassy outside Beirut. note that the community as a whole Some of the most intense incidents has been pressured to re-elect the Voting in Government of Syria took place north of the Lebanese current Syrian president. Before territory will take place on capital in Kesrouane District, a the elections, concern had been 26 May, setting off a process predominantly Christian area that is raised over the coercive influence that will likely deepen Syria’s a hub of the Lebanese Forces political exercised during a voter drive by international isolation (see: Syria party. Dozens of Lebanese Forces pro-Government of Syria entities in Update 19 April 2021). A chorus of supporters reportedly blocked the Lebanon. Among other things, these international actors and opposition Nahr El Kalb-Jounieh highway and groups bussed Syrians to the polls figures, both internal and external, launched into attacks on cars and and were accused of threatening has condemned the election. buses filled with Syrians holding Syrians over their future access to Hassan Abdel Azim, the president pictures of President Bashar al-Assad documentation that may be required of the National Coordination or Syrian national flags — a move for maintaining legal status in Committee for Democratic Change that was seen by some as a deliberate Lebanon. UNHCR confirmed that in Syria, said that the vote is provocation by al-Assad’s supporters Syrian refugees had been subject no more than window dressing. in the country. Other incidents were to intimidation and pressure. More The Syrian Democratic Council recorded in Jabal Mohsen and Sassine generally, Syrians in the country has announced that it is “not Square in Beirut, where a convoy of remain cognisant of the deep reach concerned” with the election, pro-Assad Syrians was attacked and that Syrian security and intelligence and no voting will take place in multiple vehicles were destroyed. forces have, even across the border. Autonomous Administration areas, Syria’s ambassador in Lebanon nor in Syria’s northwest. More The violence came one day after expected more than 200,000 Syrians notably, on 24 May, a group of Samir Geagea, the head of the to register to vote in the country. local committees and notables in Lebanese Forces and a prominent Government-held southern Syria figure within Lebanon’s political Worryingly, a victory by al-Assad circulated a statement declaring firmament, condemned the Syrian will likely increase the social their refusal to participate in election and stated that Syrians pressure on all Syrians in Lebanon, an election process in which the who vote for al-Assad from Lebanon irrespective of their political or Syrian people lack genuine agency. have no credible basis for protection ideological leanings. Al-Assad is Their statement is a repudiation of concerns inside Syria and should now the presumptive victor in an superficial conciliatory measures by therefore return to their country. The upcoming election in which he the Government of Syria, as relative incidents and Geagea’s statement do faces only managed opposition. stability in Dar’a city in recent not necessarily signal a paradigm As an incumbent, al-Assad claimed months has been in part attributed shift concerning Syrian refugees 88.7 percent of the vote in the last to the Government’s interest in in Lebanon — popular pressures election, in 2014. Such an outcome limiting visible dissent ahead of have long been high — but they in the upcoming vote will further the election. Syria Update

Whether they are recruited to foreign battlefields or outposts inside Syria, “ Syrian fighters often face more dangerous conditions than advertised and receive less money than promised for their efforts. See: Point No. 2 Below ” 3

TURKEY AND JORDAN Turkey and Jordan Intercept Major Narcotics Shipments TURKEY from Syria Malikiyeh Quamishli 7 Jarablus Abiad Azaz Tal Tamer NORTHWEST SYRIA Afrin Al-Hasakeh Menbij 28 Percent Uptick in Al Bab Ein Issa Aleppo Displacements as March Sees 40,000 IDP Movements Ar-Raqqa Idleb Saraqab Ma'arrat Lattakia At-Tabqa An Nu'man 2 Deir-Ez-Zor Hmeimim Russia Recruits More Hama Syrians to Guard Oil Tartous 1 Infrastructure in Libya Homs Tadmor NORTHEAST SYRIA AutonomousAbu Kamal Administration Fuel Price Hike Triggers LEBANON Deadly Protests

Beirut Duma Damascus 6 5 IRAQ Quneitra Evacuation Abkhazia’s Leader As-Sanamayn Grows as More Seek Meets al-Assad Quneitra Exit from Syria’s South 4 As-Sweida Dar'a WASHINGTON In Rare Move, Sanctioned Dutch Company Removed JORDAN from U.S. Sanctions List

Community Size ■ Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ■ Islamic State (IS) ■ Turkish-backed opposition groups Greater than Less than Humantarian Social Security Regional Economy Governance ■ Armed Oppostion Groups (AOGs) Issues Intervention 1,000,000 1,000 ■ Government of Syria (GoS) 04 Syria Update | Whole of Syria Review

areas of Deir-ez-Zor and southern The Autonomous Administration 1 Al-Hasakeh Governorate, they are enjoys the majority of Syria’s oil relatively rare in predominantly reserves, but without adequate Kurdish areas further north. infrastructure to refine, transport, or Nonetheless, the demonstrations market it, these resources heighten Autonomous should not in themselves be seen the region’s interdependence as a sign that the SDF’s support with the Government of Syria, Administration is fraying. The near-trebling a murky relationship that has Fuel Price Hike of prices for fuel products is a raised challenges for community dramatic provocation that was acceptance and the region’s broader Triggers Deadly almost guaranteed to raise the stabilisation. The lack of official ire of immiserated communities. disclosure concerning production or Protests How such a patently explosive crossline relations has only added NORTHEAST SYRIA measure was implemented at all made matters worse. warrants deep reflection as the everal protesters were reported Autonomous Administration bids S killed on 18 May as Syrian for greater community acceptance. 2 Democratic Forces (SDF) sought Officials have claimed that the to break up spontaneous public measure is simply a reflection demonstrations that erupted in of market realities, owing to the response to a dramatic hike in Syrian pound’s depreciation and Russia Recruits fuel prices by the Autonomous historically generous subsidies, Administration. At least one protester yet such arguments will seem cold More Syrians was killed and several were injured comfort to struggling residents. by live fire as security forces to Guard Oil attempted to disperse crowds in The incident also invites unwelcome Infrastructure Hasakah city. Local media reported attention to the relationship additional deaths following a protest between the Autonomous in Libya in Shadadi. Further demonstrations Administration, which controls the HMEIMIM AIRBASE were recorded in Quamishli, where country’s petroleum bounty, and shopkeepers also went on strike, the Government of Syria, which and in southern Deir-ez-Zor, where retains much of its refining capacity n 18 May, media sources protesters obstructed roads. Division (see: Infographic: Northeast Syria O reported that the Russian has broken out among Kurdish Trade Dynamics). The reality of personnel stationed at Hmeimim officials over the considerable price combined fuel shortages and high Airbase in the eastern Lattakia hikes, and some have called for their prices in oil-producing areas has countryside tapped Government reversal in a bid to quell tensions. The been a stubborn thorn in the side of Syria forces and allied militias, price of cooking gas cylinders was of Autonomous Administration including the 5th Corps, to recruit raised from 2,500 SYP to 8,000 SYP, officials. They have been at pains 400 Syrian men from various while the litre price of petrol was to quell popular dissent in oil-rich, Syrian governorates to protect oil raised from 150 SYP to 400 SYP. but poorly serviced communities, installations in Libyan territory as the region’s oil is smuggled controlled by militias affiliated with Northeast Syria’s oil prompts or transferred with their explicit Khalifa Haftar. This new round of deep mystery, deeper misery approval to Government-held recruitment follows the expiration The public outrage reached areas. For Kurdish leadership, of contracts for 300 fighters, mostly communities — namely, Quamishli it is a particularly unfortunate from the 5th Corps, who were and Hasakah — that are seen as part coincidence that some 200 oil previously sent to Libya to fight of the Autonomous Administration’s trucks were seen transporting crude alongside Haftar against the Libyan most reliable base. While public oil to Government of Syria areas Government of National Accord demonstrations against regional even as the news of the latest price (GNA), in addition to protecting oil authorities are common in alienated hikes sparked general outrage. facilities. The new contracts are Whole of Syria Review | Syria Update 05

divided into two categories: three- Middle East and Europe are wrapped month contracts paying 1,200 USD 3 up in the illicit trade, sometimes per month and five-month contracts with violent results. Alongside paying 1,300 USD, with an advance other smuggling activities, drug of 500 USD for each new recruit. running from Syria will increase Turkey and the costs (and risks) inherent to A market for mercenaries border enforcement by Syria’s Syria’s economic malaise has Jordan Intercept neighbours. In a worrying parallel, increased the pressure on skilled Major Narcotics Lebanon’s own Captagon trade has combatants whose experience as also begun to flourish, and it is fighters has diminished relevance Shipments from likely bound up in drug production, inside Syria as major military transport, and marketing in border operations in the country have Syria areas inside Syria. In late April, cooled. Among foreign powers, TURKEY AND JORDAN Saudi Arabia banned imports Russia and Turkey have thus of Lebanese fruit and vegetable far been the biggest recruiters n 19 May, media sources produce, after discovering a large (see: The Syrian economy at O reported that three people cache of Captagon pills inside a war: Armed group mobilization died in clashes as Jordanian border consignment of pomegranates as livelihood and protection forces thwarted an attempt to that arrived via Lebanon. Such strategy). The search for sustained smuggle narcotics and weapons a ban targeting Syrian exports livelihoods on the battlefield, or into the country from Syria. Two is not unthinkable, and it would even seed money to start businesses, additional smugglers were wounded be catastrophic for the country’s remains a driving force in Syrians’ and arrested, and six others retreated already atrophied economy. decision-making vis-à-vis military into Syria. According to Jordanian mobilisation to foreign battlefields, media, over 1 million Captagon and among armed groups that pills were seized in the incident. 4 continue to recruit inside Syria, Days earlier, on 16 May, Turkish albeit for considerably lower wages. maritime forces intercepted what The Russian-backed Liwa al-Quds they characterised as the largest recently recruited 350 young men narcotics shipment ever seized in In Rare Move, to fill its ranks after suffering Turkey, aboard a cargo ship that losses in the through had departed from Syria’s Lattakia Sanctioned attacks and ambushes carried out by port en route for the United Arab Islamic State (IS) cells. Liwa al-Quds Emirates. Turkish Interior Minister Dutch Company offered six-month contracts with a Suleyman Soylu described the Removed from U.S. salary of 150,000 Syrian pounds shipment as containing 1.5 tonnes per month (46 USD). The recruits of hashish. Sanctions List will guard outposts in Tadmor WASHINGTON (Palmyra) and Sokhna in eastern Little pills, big bucks Homs Governorate. Whether they The illegal trade in hashish and are recruited to foreign battlefields Captagon has become a critical n 11 May, the U.S. Department or outposts inside Syria, Syrian monetary pillar of the Assad O of the Treasury removed fighters often face more dangerous regime and its network of militia the Netherlands-based company conditions than advertised and supporters, effectively transforming Staroil B.V. and two of its senior receive less money than promised Syria into a $3.5 billion narco-state executives, Alexander Hollebrand for their efforts. The risk of (see: The Syrian Economy at War: and Paul Van Mazijk, from its list of exploitation is amplified by the Captagon, Hashish, and the Syrian Specially Designated Nationals and fact that recruitment is carried out Narco-State). Although drugs Blocked Persons (SDN). The company through private security companies produced in Syria are primarily was sanctioned on 17 December or individuals connected to Russian destined for high-value Arab Gulf 2014 for having “materially or Turkish forces. markets, transit nations in the wider assisted, sponsored, or provided 06 Syria Update | Whole of Syria Review

financial, material, or technological from Western sanctions lists, Syria officially recognized support for […] the Government of further challenging the notion that Abkhazia’s independence in 2018, Syria”. The firm wasaccused of sanctions can serve as proactive making it the fifth country to do so assisting the Syrian Government instruments in pursuit of a after Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, in purchasing oil products and policy aim. and Nauru. In essence, the visit facilitating deceptive transactions is an affirming gesture by one involving the sanctioned UAE-based embattled leader claiming control Pangates International Corporation. 5 over a frail, fragmented territory In parallel, the Office of Foreign supported by Russia, to another. Assets Control (OFAC) removed the However, it also exposes the sanctions designation from Syrian paucity of their respective political Brigadier General Jami Jami, the Abkhazia’s Leader alliances, plunging them further former head of Military Intelligence into international isolation. in Deir-ez-Zor, who was killed in the Meets al-Assad governorate in October 2013. DAMASCUS No explanations, 6 or no criteria? n 16 May, Syrian News The delisting of Staroil B.V. is O Agency (SANA) announced particularly notable, given that the that Aslan Bzhania, the president of Quneitra removal of U.S. and EU sanctions on the disputed Republic of Abkhazia, entities linked to the Government arrived in Syria for talks to develop Evacuation Grows of Syria has been exceedingly and strengthen existing cooperation rare. That said, without clarifying between the two countries. as More Seek Exit the reason for the delisting, According to media reports, the from Syria’s South it is difficult to surmise what Abkhazian leader was met by the compliance actions the company Government of Syria Minister of QUNEITRA took to get off the U.S.’s blacklist. Transportation and representatives On the contrary, this ambiguity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs s of 20 May, local and media is likely seen in Washington as upon his arrival at Damascus airport. A sources indicated that more a strategic asset, given the lack Local media sources indicated than 120 people, including former of a policy agenda for Syria that that on 17 May, President Bashar fighters, women, and children, had is either clearly articulated or al-Assad met with Bzhania to queued for buses departing from Um realistically achievable. The removal discuss political issues, economic Batna in Quneitra Governorate, to of Jami Jami from the sanctions cooperation, and Western states’ be resettled in northwestern Syria. list, nearly eight years after his positions on the current situation in According to local sources, this death, is a further indication of Ukraine and Crimea. followed a long series of Russian- the sluggishness of the sanctions mediated negotiations between process as a whole. All told, Syria and Abkhazia, brought the Syrian Government’s Security delisting is sometimes held up as an together by isolation Committee and Quneitra notables important step demonstrating that The visit by the leader of Georgia’s to end military escalation and sanctions can be converted from separatist Abkhazia region is among security tensions in Um Batna (see: a punitive tool into an instrument Syria’s attempts to open relations Syria Update 10 May 2021). The of real leverage. To date, evidence with other international pariah parties reached an agreement for of such outcomes in Syria — and states in a bid for a public relations the voluntary evacuation of wanted indeed anywhere — is exceedingly boost. Regrettably for Damascus, persons to opposition-held territory thin. It bears noting that the firm the visit also reaffirms the image in northwestern Syria, conditional in question is European; Syrian of Syria that was cultivated during upon the release of two detainees individuals and entities have yet the “axis of evil” days, suggesting it held by Government forces and the to enjoy much success in formal exists outside conventional law and cessation of military escalation in appeals to remove themselves international diplomatic recognition. Quneitra Governorate. As of writing, Whole of Syria Review | Syria Update 07

The growth of the evacuation casts light Changing direction of displacement on the Government of Syria’s continued The displacements were due to a number of factors: military approach to achieve stability by stifling activities, changes in areas of control, and, most notably, variable dissent, eliminating threats, and making access to services and livelihoods. The findings can be read as an Syria “more homogenous”. indicator of the way basic state functions and overall stability are becoming increasingly relevant to mobility. Pressures such as these the evacuees had reportedly not the south by any means possible, were also apparent in the reported settled in northwest Syria, due to particularly given the comparative uptick in border crossings from friction with armed groups. stability of areas under Turkish Turkey into northwest Syria by influence in northern Syria. Syrians who had been locked out of Recapitulating reconciliation the Turkish labour market owing The growing size of the Quneitra to COVID-related restrictions evacuation — from 10 wanted 7 (see: Syria Update 17 May 2021). persons and their families as That being said, conflict-related initially demanded by Damascus violence (or its absence) remains to more than 100 — constitutes a relevant to population movements, major escalation. The growth of 28 Percent Uptick including spontaneous return. For the evacuation casts light on the instance, the OCHA reported that Government of Syria’s continued in Displacements approximately 23,000 IDPs returned approach to achieve stability to communities in Aleppo and by stifling dissent, eliminating as March Sees Idleb governorates in March, twice threats, and making Syria “more 40,000 IDP the number recorded in February. homogenous”. The threat of military This is likely a consequence of a escalation as a wedge to drive Movements protracted period of quiet on the wanted individuals into northern NORTHWEST SYRIA frontlines of opposition factions Syria echoes the reconciliation and Government of Syria forces. approach used widely throughout Ehsem and Ariha subdistricts in southern and central Syria through n 14 May, OCHA reported Idleb Governorate and Jebel Saman 2018, and sporadically since then, O that there were approximately subdistrict in Aleppo Governorate including in As-Sanamayn in early 40,000 IDP movements across received some 2,000, 1,500, and 2020 (see: Syria Update 9 March Syria in March 2021, a 28 percent 1,300 voluntary IDP returns, 2020). However, neither the threat increase compared to February. As in respectively. Meanwhile, the largest of escalation nor the displacements preceding months, the majority return movement — 8,200 IDP that have followed have brought of the movements took place in returns to Khan Arnaba subdistrict genuine reprieve from chronic Syria’s northwest, and 94 percent of in Quneitra Governorate — is instability in unstable communities. all displacements were registered indicative of another impediment Worryingly, the Quneitra incident in Aleppo and Idleb governorates. to mobility monitoring: the shows the continued utility of the Dana subdistrict in northern rural challenges of data collection and Government forced reconciliation Idleb received the largest number of counting. While such a large approach. Moreover, the growing newly displaced people, with about spike in returns would ordinarily number of people essentially 3,400 movements, while Ma’arrat suggest major changes to local volunteering to flee the south along Tamasrin subdistrict in Idleb and conditions related to return, local with the forcibly displaced from Raju subdistrict in the northern sources have struggled to identify Um Batna is likely an indication Aleppo countryside each received any such factor. They indicate that of a widespread desire to escape about 3,000. the returns were not a single large Whole of Syria Review | Syria Update 08

wave, but a drawn-out process that occurred slowly, over time, and from many communities of displacement. While this finding leaves many important questions unanswered, it is further indication that such data should be interpreted with caution, particularly given the challenges of access and large-scale data collection in Syria. 09 Syria Update | Open Source Annex

>> Open Source Annex The Open Source Annex highlights key media reports, research, and primary documents that are not examined in the Syria Update. For a continuously updated collection of such records, searchable by geography, theme, and conflict actor — and curated to meet the needs of decision-makers — please see COAR’s comprehensive online search platform Alexandrina. Note: These records are solely the responsibility of their creators. COAR does not necessarily endorse — or confirm — the viewpoints expressed by these sources.

The National Defense Militia Factbox: Iranian presence in Syria’s Syria releases hundreds of social Supports a Renewable Energy Deir ez-Zor province media critics ahead of election Project in As-Salamiyeh What Does it Say? The article maps What Does it Say? The Government What Does it Say? Amidst its growing Iranian forces in eastern Syria. It of Syria freed more than 400 civil influence As-Salamiyeh, the NDF has contends that following the defeat of IS servants, judges, lawyers and journalists launched a renewable energy project in northeast Syria, Iran has started to detained this year in a crackdown on to power a number of governmental consolidate its influence in this region. social media dissent under the cyber buildings in the town. Controlling district and the crimes law. Interestingly, the majority Reading Between the Lines: The Iraqi border crossing are among its of these detainees have been pro- economic influence of quasi-governmental most important achievements in the Government since the outbreak of the armed groups in Syria is a major region to date. conflict. factor in the permissions and access Reading Between the Lines: Iran has Reading Between the Lines: The requirements that are part of aid project employed various tactics to expand its amnesty was widely seen as an attempt implementation in Syria. The greater influence among local communities in by the Government to cultivate public their influence grows, the more likely Deir-ez-Zor, including religious, social, opinion ahead of the presidential aid activities are to create a conflict of services, and financial support. This has election. It excluded tens of thousands interest with the groups. at times put it at odds with Russia. of government opponents and political Source: Syria TV Source: Atlantic Council detainees held for years without trial. Language: Arabic Language: English Source: Reuters Date: 19 May 2021 Date: 18 May 2021 Language: English Date: 11 May 2021 Open Source Annex | Syria Update 10

>> Open Source Annex Continued

Rouhani Says Shalamcheh-Basra A U.S. Delegate Met with SDF Erdogan: High-ranking PKK militant Railway to Connect Iran to Iraq, Leadership in a First Foreign Visit killed in Iraq operation Syria, and the Mediterranean What Does it Say? A delegation What Does it Say? A high-ranking PKK What Does it Say? Iranian President comprising the Deputy Minister of Kurdish militant was killed in northern Hasan Rouhani has once again declared Foriegn Affairs, Deputy U.S. Envoy to Iraq in an operation led by the Turkish his country’s intention to link Iran with Syria and the White House Director for intelligence forces. Sofi Nurettin has been Syria through Iraq via the Shalamcheh- Iraq and Syria at the National Security involved in several attacks against Turkey Basra railway. The project, which would Council met with a number of SDF and Turkish forces in Syria, according to the give Iran access to the Mediterranean, is commanders and tribal figures in Ar- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. meant to be part of a memorandum of Raqqa on 18 May. Reading Between the Lines: Turkey understanding between Iran and China Reading Between the Lines: The has expanded its cross-border activities over the construction of highways and delegation is meant to reaffirm the in Iraq as it targets PKK bases. These railways. U.S. commitment to northeast Syria, operations have been successful in Reading Between the Lines: Gaining including support for efforts to defeat undermining PKK operations in Iraq and access to the Mediterranean is one of IS, ensure long-term stability and Syria, and the Turkey-Iraq front is, on the the main pillars of Iran’s regional policy. access to humanitarian aid in the whole, an overlooked factor in stability in This would be both an economic and region, and support efforts to reach a northeast Syria. strategic boon, as securing the bridge political solution to the Syrian conflict. Source: Associated Press between Tehran and Beirut would link all Nonetheless, no clear U.S. strategy Language: English countries that fall under Iran’s influence. for Syria under Biden has yet been Date: 17 May 2021 That said, such plans have been articulated. consistently floated since Iran entered Source: North Plus Network the conflict, and to date, they have not Language: Arabic amounted to more than ink on paper. Date: 18 May 2021 Source: Asharq Al-Awsat Language: English Date: 14 May 2021 The Wartime and Post-Conflict Syria project (WPCS) is funded by the European Union and implemented through a partnership between the European University Institute (Middle East Directions Programme) and the Center for Operational Analysis and Research (COAR). WPCS will provide operational and strategic analysis to policymakers and programmers concerning prospects, challenges, trends, and policy options with respect to a mid- conflict and post-conflict Syria. WPCS also aims to stimulate new approaches and policy responses to the Syrian conflict through a regular dialogue between researchers, policymakers and donors, and implementers, as well as to build a new network of Syrian researchers who will contribute to research informing international policy and practice related to their country.

The content compiled and presented by COAR is by no means exhaustive and does not reflect COAR’s formal position, political or otherwise, on the aforementioned topics. The information, assessments, and analysis provided by COAR are only to inform humanitarian and development programs and policy. While this publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union, its contents are the sole responsibility of COAR Global LTD, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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