Short Video: Why Assad Fell

In the first episode of the Institute’s Syria Breakdown series, Syria analyst Andrew Tabler explains the domestic and foreign factors that led to the Assad government’s rapid demise.

Recent Institute Analysis

Washington Returns to Damascus with High Stakes for Syria’s Transition
The delegation’s findings on key political and security issues will have a major impact on future U.S. engagement with Syria’s new leaders, including the decision on whether or not to remove sanctions.
Dec 20, 2024
  • Aaron Y. Zelin
The U.S. Must Not Abandon Syria
Trump says Syria is a “mess” that America should leave alone, but that would be far more dangerous than staying.
Dec 19, 2024
  • Dennis Ross
Did Assad’s Fall in Syria Really Weaken Russia?
Moscow is already taking steps to ensure that it can continue confounding U.S. interests in Ukraine and Syria even if the outcomes on these fronts wind up differently than expected.
Dec 17, 2024
  • Anna Borshchevskaya
How Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Landed on U.S. Terrorist Lists—and Why It Should Stay There for Now
Although some near-term waivers should be issued to help untangle the complicated web of designations and facilitate humanitarian aid, any broader delisting of HTS, Jolani, and others needs to be earned, not gifted.
Dec 17, 2024
  • Matthew Levitt

In Focus: Tehran's Nuclear Choices, Washington's Strategic Options

Book cover with Iranian missiles, including Shahab-3
Maps & Graphics
If Iran Gets the Bomb:
The decision would require tradeoffs affecting the security, survivability, and military credibility of Tehran's nascent arsenal.
Nov 25, 2024
  • Michael Eisenstadt

Podcast Episode

Will the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire announced in November hold? Ziegler Distinguished Fellow David Makovsky sits down with Amos Harel, one of Israel’s leading military analysts and a senior correspondent for Haaretz to unpack the agreement, its implications for the region, and whether it can endure long enough to offer lasting security for peoples on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.

Listen to this and other episodes of the Decision Points  podcast.

In-Depth Study

Semiconductor image over map of UAE with U.S. Capitol dome
Maps & Graphics
Semiconductors, AI, and the Gulf:
In seeking to bolster partnerships and simultaneously protect U.S. technology, officials will need to navigate export options ranging from permissive to restrictive.
Nov 18, 2024
  • Elizabeth Dent
  • Grant Rumley

Interactive Map: ISIS Global Activity

Interactive Tool: Tracking Maritime Attacks in Middle East Waters Since 2019

Arab Public Opinion 2014 to Today

Fikra Interactive Public Polling Platform Thumbnail
Maps & Graphics
TWI Interactive Polling Platform
Interactive datasets, from 2014 to today
Jun 30, 2022