Inside >> No. 17

Muhammad Issam Syrian State Media More Than 400,000 Two Aid Workers Hazima Appointed Promote Denmark’s COVID-19 Vaccine Killed in SDF-held Central Bank Declaration That Doses Reach Deir-ez-Zor Governor Damascus is ‘Safe’ Following the UAE’s lead, Local conditions make Hazima replaces The incident reveals the China steps up COVID Basira especially ousted CBS governor risks of giving fodder to support to Damascus challenging for aid Hazem Qarfoul the Syrian regime Pg 6 implementation Pg 5 Pg 5 Pg 6

26 April 2021 | Vol. 4 | 26 April 2021 | Vol. New Armed Group in Syrians in Sweden IS Attacks Continue As-Sweida as Local File Chemical in Eastern Syria Tensions Flare Weapons Suit IS increases attacks Social tensions in Against Syrian in the northeast As-Sweida Governorate Officials Pg 8 Pg 7 Chemical attack victims seek redress under

date universal jurisdiction Pg 7

Quamishli Clashes Bring Arab-Kurd Tensions to the Surface

> Page 2 Syria Up

An Asayish humvee sits in Tayy neighbourhood after the group seized control over the area from Government-aligned NDF fighters.

Weekly Political, Economic, and Security Outlook Political, Weekly Image courtesy of Post. 02 Syria Update | In-Depth Analysis

n one of the most intense eruptions of violence in The gravity pulling large Arab tribes in northeast Syria in northeast Syria toward overt political causes recent memory, >Autonomous Administration and factionalised armed groups may be security forcesI have seized control over Tayy neighbourhood, the main a cause of additional tension, and it may Quamishli stronghold of the Syiran Government-aligned National fan the flames of local struggles for power Defense Forces (NDF). On 20 April, between those tribes and the SDF. armed clashes broke out following a checkpoint dispute, setting off a series of on-and-off Russian- take back control of checkpoints two major fault lines in northeast brokered deals. Large numbers of seized by the Asayish and affiliated Syria. The first is the extent of NDF members have reportedly fled Anti-Terror Units (HAT). A large foreign influence in the region. the city toward nearby villages, number of residents of Tayy Local sources indicate that Russia while civilian residents of Tayy neighbourhood were displaced by is using the events to pressure the neighbourhood have also been the fighting, andseveral civilians Quamishli NDF, which Moscow displaced. The clashes are notable were reported killed or wounded. is said to view as a liability. not only for their intensity, relapse Tayy tribal leaders are said to into violence, and death toll, but also Between 22-25 April, Russia have advocated against Russian for the underlying tensions they facilitated a series of meetings at mediation out of concern that reveal. The developments pose a Quamishli Airport between the Russia had allowed the process to significant test of Russia’s capacity Asayish forces and Government drag on as the SDF-aligned forces as a mediator in northeast Syria, of Syria military officers to gained the upper hand. Even the and they have added to ongoing cement a ceasefire agreement Government of Syria itself refrained initiatives by Arab tribes in the in the city. The deal that came from providing overt support to region to attain greater autonomy into effect on 23 April entailed the embattled NDF, and its 154th even under the auspices of the a complete ceasefire, the return Regiment, or Tartab Regiment, Autonomous Administration. of civilian residents displaced by has sat on the sidelines during the fighting, and the deployment the clashes. Nonetheless, there is The chain of events began with of Russian patrols around Tayy reason to believe Russia is also the arrest of Abdelfattah al- neighbourhood as observers. Like grasping for leverage over the Lylo — an NDF commander and the agreement that came before it, Autonomous Administration’s member of the Tayy tribe — by however, the more comprehensive security forces. On 21 April, media the Autonomous Administration’s Russian ceasefire also broke down, sources reported that Russian Asayish forces at a checkpoint in and clashes expanded to Halko forces unexpectedly withdrew from Al-Wihdah Circle (for more on the neighbourhood. On 25 April, two military bases in northern Tayy and northeast Syria’s tribes, Asayish announced what it Syria, near Tall Refaat and Deir see: Tribal Tribulations: Tribal characterised as a permanent Jmal, exposing them to attack from Mapping and State Actor Influence ceasefire in the neighbourhood nearby frontlines with Turkish in Northeastern Syria). At least under the joint auspices of Russia forces. Russia’s stick-and-carrot 10 NDF fighters and three members and the Syrian Democratic Forces tactics echo previous instances in of the Asayish were killed in two (SDF), and it urged all displaced which Moscow has pressured the days of fighting that ensued, as the residents to return to their homes. SDF by permitting Turkish-backed opposing sides vied for control over forces to attack SDF positions (see: Tayy neighbourhood. Although Beyond mediation: Russia Syria Update 7 December 2020). Moscow brokered a ceasefire on co-opts allies and enemies 20 April, the fighting resumed the The breakout of intense violence However, Russian prestige in following day as the NDF sought to in Quamishli brings to the surface northeast Syria is also being In-Depth Analysis | Syria Update 03

reported that members of the Jabbour tribe convened a meeting in Tal Tawel, north of Al-Hasakeh city, to discuss the possibility of creating an explicitly tribal armed group. The formation would resemble the Sanadeed Forces, an armed group of the tribe, in that it would theoretically serve under the command structure of the SDF, thus fulfilling the military service requirement for tribesmen while allowing them to serve within their own communities. The gravity pulling large Arab tribes in northeast Syria toward overt political causes and factionalised Civilians flee Tayy neighborhood as clashes erupt between the Asayish and NDF. Image courtesy of Jisr TV. armed groups may be a cause of additional tension, and it may fan the flames of local struggles for challenged by . Media sources During the latest bout of fighting in power between those tribes and now report that Iranian-backed Quamishli, a notable figure in a clan the SDF. Economic considerations militia groups have recently belonging to Tayy tribe was killed are also pertinent. Clashes between intensified recruitment in by sniper fire following a mediation the Sanadeed Forces and the SDF Quamishli and Al-Hasakeh cities, session. Tribes in Al-Hasakeh on 5 February over control of the targeting Arab tribesmen, the Governorate have generally sought three border crossings with are NDF, and members of the 154th to triangulate political positions illustrative of the linkage between Regiment. Russia may still use its that reduce their risk exposure from armed groups and war economy mediator role to pressure tribesmen authorities of all types. In response activities. For aid implementers, to refrain from cooperating to the latest incidents, however, issues such as these are also an with Iran. Indeed, the Russian various tribal leaders have urged indication that even as conflict- willingness to undermine the Arab tribesmen to mobilise against related violence in Syria is ebbing, growing Iranian influence in the the SDF, a sentiment captured in a deep social tensions may continue city has, to an extent, overlapped 23 April statement released by the to grow. with the Asayish’s hopes of Tayy tribe. In response, on 25 April, expelling NDF members from a counter-statement by other tribal Quamishli, reportedly one of the figures in Quamishliurged the main objectives it pursued in the Asayish and SDF to oust the NDF deal reached on 25 April. from the city.

The second, and arguably more There are other signs that tribal important impact concerns the overt identity and historical grievances politicisation of Arab tribal identity are gaining force as political in Syria’s northeast. The Quamishli rallying cries. The relationship NDF is seen as an arm of the Tayy between Arab tribes and the SDF tribe, which is the most prominent in northeast Syria has deteriorated in the city. The tribe’s historical over the last year for reasons animosity with the region’s Kurds including military conscription into primed the pump for the recent the SDF and the poor state of service clashes, which have taken on clear provision and the economy as a tribal and ethnic dimensions. whole. On 12 March, local sources Syria Update

Adding to an already unstable local environment replete with access “ challenges, the killings will complicate aid delivery in the southern reaches of SDF-held Deir-ez-Zor Governorate. See: Point No. 4 Below ” 3 6

VARIOUS LOCATIONS SWEDEN More Than 400,000 Syrians in Sweden File TURKEY COVID-19 Vaccine Chemical Weapons Suit Doses Reach Syria Against Syrian Officials Malikiyeh Quamishli Jarablus Tell Abiad Azaz Tal Tamer Afrin Al-Hasakeh Menbij Al Bab Ein Issa Aleppo

Ar-Raqqa Idleb Saraqab Ma'arrat Lattakia At-Tabqa An Nu'man Deir-Ez-Zor Basira Tartous 4 Shiheil TadmorTwo Aid Workers Killed in SDF-held Deir-ez-Zor Abu Kamal7 IS Attacks Continue LEBANON in Eastern Syria 2 Beirut Syrian State Media Duma Damascus Promote Denmark’s Declaration That IRAQ 1 Damascus is ‘Safe’ As-Sanamayn Issam Hazima Appointed Quneitra Central Bank Governor As-Sweida 5 Dar'a Qaraya New Armed Group in As-Sweida as Local JORDAN Tensions Flare

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) 05 Syria Update | Whole of Syria Review

Hazima’s tenure, it is not clear what and Rural Damascus. Earlier this 1 changes to Central Bank policy year, the Danish government will follow from his appointment. informed at least 94 Syrians that Hazima is seen as an academic, and their residence permits in that local sources have characterised country would not be renewed, Muhammad Issam him as more of a politician than a a step that clears the way for their banker. This may reduce even the eventual removal from Denmark. Hazima Appointed limited independent agency the Central Bank office had. A propaganda victory for Damascus Governor The Government of Syria’s ability DAMASCUS 2 to score cheap propaganda victories by drawing on the Danish refugee n 20 April, Syrian state media debate is a clear example of the O reported that Muhammad political risks inherent to any Issam Hazima has been appointed Syrian State Media actions that may be construed as Central Bank of Syria governor, normalising the Syrian Government. replacing Hazem Qarfoul, who was Promote Denmark’s Damascus has a long history of dismissed as Syria’s top banker validating its own positions by without explanation earlier this Declaration That recycling favourable events from month (see: Syria Update 19 April Damascus is ‘Safe’ abroad. Particularly useful to it 2021). Hazima had served as are developments that bear the second deputy to Qarfoul and holds DAMASCUS legitimating stamp of Western a doctorate in international law government policy. As such, the from France. yrian state media have begun to Danish government’s determination S repackage anti-asylum political that Damascus and Rural Damascus Qarfoul out, Hazima in sentiment in Denmark in a bid to are safe for returning refugees The reasons for Qarfoul’s dismissal shore up the Government of Syria’s function as valuable propaganda remain ambiguous. While no own narratives regarding conditions in the hands of spin doctors official statements concerning the in Syria. On 17 April, the Syrian in Damascus. move have been made, two theories Arab News Agency reported: are circulating. The first posits that Meanwhile, the changes to Danish Qarfoul was ousted in response “Now you can return home to asylum procedures have not gone to the Central Bank of Syria’s sunny Syria, your homeland needs unchallenged. The government’s impotence in the face of extreme you” is a phrase spread widely decision to remove temporary fiscal instability, a situation that across billboards in the streets of protection status for certain classes reached its zenith with the Syrian Copenhagen, the Danish capital, in of Syrian refugees in Denmark pound’s deterioration to 4,600 a campaign that confirms the fact builds on the findings of a 2019 SYP/USD in mid-March. The that Syria has become safe after Country of Origin Information second is grounded in rumours most of its territories have been report which is now the subject of that Qarfoul had close ties with liberated from terrorism, and aims intense public scrutiny among Rami Makhlouf, the economic to encourage Syrian refugees to the Danish public and Syria titan whose national business return to their homeland. response actors. COAR is among empire has been systematically the entities that are cited in the dismantled since he came into The Syrian state media coverage report. COAR and others have since serious public conflict with the builds on a pitched debate in publicly denounced the reporting Presidential Palace in summer Denmark in recent weeks over the process and its use to further a 2019. It has been suggested that procedures that led to the Danish seemingly politicised approach to Qarfoul’s suspected relationship government’s removal of temporary asylum proceedings for vulnerable with Makhlouf cast doubt over protection status for Syrian asylum- Syrians. Worryingly, the events in his loyalties. Looking ahead to seekers originally from Damascus Denmark undermine the already Whole of Syria Review | Syria Update 06

fragile framework that governs Gaziantep by WHO and UNICEF. asylum procedures globally. There Moreover, on 24 April, the Chinese 4 is a risk that politicised approaches government reportedly donated to refugee affairs will erode an additional 150,000 doses of protections and inspire states with COVID-19 vaccine to Syria, which a shakier commitment to the rule were received by the Syrian health Two Aid Workers of law to take similar, or more minister in Damascus. consequential, action. Refugees are Killed in SDF-held already poorly served by prevailing Vaccine diplomacy Deir-ez-Zor asylum practices, and it is important Without question, the arrival BASIRA, DEIR-EZ-ZOR for asylum policy practitioners to of more than 400,000 doses of GOVERNORATE note that although conflict-related COVID-19 vaccine to Syria is an violence in Syria has diminished, important milestone for vaccination security risks persist. Nowhere in in the country. As always, concerns n 17 April, two Syrian aid Syria is safe for return. over equitable distribution are O workers were killed in an paramount, given that COVAX armed attack in Basira, in SDF- allocations on a per capita basis held southeastern rural Deir-ez-Zor 3 are lowest for northeast Syria. Governorate. According to reports, The arrival of additional doses unknown attackers shot and killed reportedly donated by China are the relief workers as they were also important, given recent reports returning from a humanitarian aid More Than 400,000 that delivery through COVAX project. Both victims were volunteers would be delayed over production working for the NGO Al-Birr and COVID-19 Vaccine shortfalls. China’s willingness Al-Ihsan Ras al-Ain. The United to build bridges with Damascus Nations Resident Coordinator and Doses Reach Syria through COVID-19 support is an Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, VARIOUS LOCATIONS important development, and it Imran Riza, issued a statement follows only days after the UAE condemning the attack and calling n 22 April, Syria received donated medical aid and vaccines for the protection of all aid workers. O the first 203,000 doses of its to Damascus. Support such as this COVID-19 vaccine allocations via will not necessarily change the An especially challenging area the COVAX facility. The vaccines fundamentals of either country’s in world’s most dangerous will be provided to healthcare bilateral relationship with the aid response workers in Government of Syria Government of Syria. That said, the Adding to an already unstable areas and northeast Syria, according longer the COVID-19 crisis lasts, the local environment replete with to a statement by the WHO and more likely it is that medical aid can access challenges, the killings UNICEF. The regional allocation be used to strengthen relationships will complicate aid delivery in of the doses is not immediately when other forms of support the southern reaches of SDF-held clear. Separately, 53,800 doses were remain verboten. Deir-ez-Zor Governorate. Reports delivered to northwest Syria through indicate that this is the first incident in which aid workers have been targeted in the area. Given its remoteness, local resistance to ... the longer the COVID-19 crisis lasts, the the Autonomous Administration, perceptions of administrative more likely it is that medical aid can be used corruption, and the lingering consequences of Islamic State (IS) to strengthen relationships when other forms rule, Basira is a challenging area for of support remain verboten. aid implementation. In light of such risks, security factors are merely one conflict-sensitivity concern 07 Syria Update | Whole of Syria Review

among many. Nearly 1,000 aid the Druze Rijal Al-Karamah (lit. The filing in Sweden came one day workers have been killed in the “Men of Dignity)” armed group (see: before an unprecedented vote by Syria conflict thus far, and more Syria Update 5 October 2020). members of the Organisation for the than 3,800 are still in detention Prohibition of Chemical Weapons or have been forcibly disappeared. The limits of Russian mediation (OPCW) to suspend Syria’s voting While northeast Syria is generally The clashes — apparently rights in response to chemical safer for aid workers than the motivated by disagreement over attacks by the Government of Syria northwest, attacks claimed by cells agricultural land — are a reminder (see: Syria Update 12 April 2021). affiliated with IS, local tensions, and that tensions in southern Syria Syria is the first OPCW member state tribal disputes increase the risks are not limited to neighbouring to face such an action. implementers face. Dar’a Governorate. As with past instances of tensions and violent Accountability measures clashes in western As-Sweida, are mounting 5 Russia’s mediation is essential, The lawsuit in Sweden is the given the close proximity to the latest of several initiatives to main power base of the 5th Corps pursue accountability in Europe in eastern Dar’a. Although Russia for crimes committed in Syria. New Armed Group is indispensable in this respect, Although at least 34 investigations, it is by no means all-powerful, complaints, and legal cases in As-Sweida as particularly given the absence of were active as of February 2019, direct relations with important momentum has only recently Local Tensions stakeholders in As-Sweida. built, following the prosecution Flare Mistrust of Moscow is especially of a Syrian Government agent high in the predominantly Druze in Germany on torture charges governorate. earlier this year (see: Syria Update QARAYA, AS-SWEIDA 22 March 2021). A Canadian-Dutch GOVERNORATE initaitive to hold the Goverment of 6 Syria to account under the torture n 18 April, local media convention and an investigation into O reported the formation of Asma al-Assad in Britain are two a small Druze local protection force other recent developments. Often in Qaraya in response to repeated Syrians in Sweden in partnership with international clashes with from the rights groups, Syrian lawyers, surrounding area. Local and media File Chemical activists, and organisations have sources have indicated that Russia played a central role in this effort has intervened as a mediator, Weapons Suit by identifying both victims and facilitating meetings between the Against Syrian perpetrators, building legal dossiers, population and Qaraya and advocacy. Meanwhile, Swedish residents in a bid to reduce tensions Officials authorities have issued electronic and remove barriers preventing SWEDEN pamphlets asking anyone who has bedouin families from returning been a victim of a war crime, or to Qaraya. Media reports indicate knows a victim or a perpetrator, to that the local community in Qaraya n 20 April, four NGOs filed contact the police. While these are has agreed to the bedouins’ return, O a lawsuit in Sweden against small steps, given the broad sweep with the exception of some of those Syrian Government officials for of violations committed in Syria, involved in previous armed attacks. their role in the sarin gas attacks in they are nonetheless important. Bedouins have been involved in Ghouta in 2013 and Khan Shaykhun Successful prosecutions are likely previous violent clashes in Qaraya, in 2017. Hundreds were killed in to inspire further efforts to pursue particularly when backing the the incidents, and many more were justice through mechanisms such as Russian-backed 5th Corps against seriously injured, including children. universal jurisdiction. Whole of Syria Review | Syria Update 08

suspected IS sleeper cells. A growth 7 in IS activity in these areas speaks to the SDF’s limited local acceptance and the shortcomings of its anti-IS campaigns supported IS Attacks Continue by the International Coalition (see: Syria Update 6 April 2021). in Eastern Syria These operations will not curb IS’ SHIHEIL, DEIR-EZ-ZOR growth as long as local authorities GOVERNORATE remain ill-equipped to alleviate the root causes of IS activity, namely n 20 April, the Syrian patchwork governance, fragile O Observatory for Human Rights social and economic conditions, and reported that members of an IS exploitable rifts along ethnic lines. sleeper cell attempted to assassinate Moscow’s counter-IS operations on an SDF intelligence officer in the the other side of the Euphrates River countryside near Shiheil, Deir-ez-Zor will be forced to confront similar Governorate. On the same day, media challenges, and an approach to IS sources reported that a suspected that is rooted solely in military IS cell attacked an SDF military attacks against suspected IS headquarters in nearby Sour, Deir- positions in the Badia — as Russia ez-Zor Governorate. Meanwhile, has waged since late 2020 — will Russian-led air operations targeting also meet with limited success. That IS have reportedly continued in said, Russia’s claims concerning Government-controlled areas its attacks on IS cells in the Badia across the Euphrates River, in the are vague, unsubstantiated, Badia area stretching across Hama, and doubtful. Homs, Deir-ez-Zor, and Ar-Raqqa governorates. Although its claims are dubious, Russia has said its recent airstrikes have killed some 200 militants and destroyed 24 vehicles and about 500 kilograms of ammunition and explosives.

The IS resurgence is slow but worrying Although IS has increased its activities in many parts of Syria, Deir-ez-Zor Governorate is among the areas that are most receptive to the group’s return. Over recent months IS-linked attacks and security incidents have increased in SDF-held areas, and of the approximately 40 security incidents reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) in SDF territory since March, most are related to 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 YPG/PYD During the Syrian Denmark: Flawed Country of The Economic Crisis in Syria: Conflict Origin Reports Lead to Flawed Roots That Precede the Regime’s Refugee Policies War on Syrians What Does it Say? The article examines the YPG/PYD’s authoritarian quasi- What Does it Say? A highly selective What Does it Say? The article calls state project over the course of the Country of Origin Information attention to the sufferings of ordinary Syrian conflict, during which it has report from 2019 has led the Danish Syrians even as the ruling class finds simultaneously competed and cooperated government to deem Damascus and new means of growing its own wealth. with the Government of Syria. Rural Damascus safe for returns, Reading Between the Lines: The stark Reading Between the Lines: The which has been used to strip at least divide between the opulence of the underlying political and social dynamics 94 Syrians of their temporary protection ruling class and the penury endured by of northeast Syria remain under-studied, status. ordinary Syrians was a key cause of the and they will grow more important over Reading Between the Lines: The Danish conflict. Without meaningful poverty- time as the conflict wears on. Internally, report is already being instrumentalised reduction approaches in place, socio- the dominant PYD has struggled to build by Damascus to push for refugee returns economic divisions are likely to widen a genuine big-tent political coalition in and legitimise its own rule, a foremost and drive further conflict. northeast Syria. Its control of oil and concern among foreign governments. Source: Syria Direct wheat fields will continue to shape the The developments are evidence of the Language: relationship with Damascus. Meanwhile, distinct secondary and tertiary risks that Date: 25 March 2021 attempts to square the group with Turkey, exist around actions that could be seen which views it as a strategic threat, have as normalising the Government of Syria. yet to materialise. Source: Human Rights Watch Source: Clingendael Language: English Language: English Date: 19 April 2021 Date: 19 April 2021 Open Source Annex | Syria Update 010

>> Open Source Annex Continued

The SDF Will Not Allow Assad Assad Regime Continues Reading Between the Lines: The incident is to Hold Elections in its Areas Stonewalling US Aid to Syria merely one of many examples of fabricated of Control What Does it Say? This article IS narratives and their uptake among a What Does it Say? The SDF will discusses the numerous constraints on credulous public. All told, the furor over not allow balloting for the upcoming aid programming in Government-held the series calls attention to the presidential election in areas under its territory and delivering aid crossline sensationalism and misinformation that still control. As a result, voting in northeast from Damascus. inform broader understandings of IS and its Syria will be limited to the small Reading Between the Lines: These legacy in Syria. Government-held security squares. impediments are not new. Expect to see Source: Harper’s Magazine Reading Between the Lines: The move similar articles with greater frequency as Language: English is not a surprise. With the American the renewal vote for the cross-border aid Date: 2021 May military presence in northeast Syria resolution approaches. What has been seemingly secured, the SDF is less likely lacking is a concerted good-faith effort legitimate Damascus’ political agenda. to grapple with possible incentives that Israel Targets the Dhameer Base: Source: Al-Modon can be held out to Russia to sustain the The Syrian Regime Did Not Bomb the Language: Arabic cross-border mechanism. Dimona Reactor Date: 21 April 2021 Source: Foreign Policy Language: English What Does it Say? In response to an Date: 13 April 2021 alleged missile attack by Syrian forces near For the First Time, a Woman Applies Dimona, Israel, Israeli forces retaliated by to Be President of Syria bombing an air base in Dhameer, killing a Sign of the Times: Caliphate and Syrian Government officer. What Does it Say? Faten Nahar will the Perils of Reporting Online Reading Between the Lines: An offensive be the first woman to run for the Syrian attack of this magnitude by Syrian forces Presidency. What Does it Say? The article lays out shows that the conflict along the Syrian- Reading Between the Lines: While from a journalistic perspective how Israeli border is not solely driven by Iranian Bashar al-Assad’s re-election is not the New York Times failed in fact- proxies, and that a potential Syrian-Israeli in serious doubt, some argue that checking and reporting its blockbuster peace deal remains highly unlikely. allowing a female straw candidate is an Caliphate podcast series, which was Source: Al-Modon attempt by the Government to portray later discredited when it was discovered Language: Arabic itself as progressive and a defender of that the protagonist fabricated the Date: 22 April 2021 liberal values. events that drove the central narrative Source: Los Angeles Times concerning a foreign fighter who joined Language: English IS in Syria. Date: 20 April 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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