All Policy Analysis by Fabrice Balanche

Both Idlib province and eastern Aleppo province have been relatively spared from the fighting, and their rural communities remain strong.

If Moscow and Damascus have their way, the latest ceasefire will further divide the rebels, isolate Turkey, and facilitate their ongoing military and political strategy for preserving Assad's rule.

Understand the policy implications of humanitarian safe havens, safe zones, buffers, or no-fly zones in Syria with these assessments of the who, what, where, why, and how of the various options.

The Assad regime's Russian-aided military campaign and the onset of spring augur another mass refugee flow into the EU, and the only surefire way to stop it is by addressing the root of the crisis inside Syria.

With ample Russian and Iranian help, regime forces have cut the rebels' main lifeline in the north, and they will likely steer their relentless steamroller to the west unless outside powers take action.

Although the latest Kurdish offensive runs the risk of spurring direct Turkish intervention, it could also help isolate Islamic State forces in the area from their capital, with significant implications for the rest of the combatants in Syria.

As various forces converge against the main rebel supply line in northern Syria, Russia's wooing of the Kurds could make Turkey rethink its approach.

The escalating conflict remains a sectarian war, and deliberate ethnic cleansing by various actors is drawing new internal borders that will be difficult to erase.

French experts discuss how the Paris attacks will affect European foreign and domestic policy, including efforts to broaden and deepen the coalition in Syria.

Experts weigh in on key questions regarding the perpetrators of the Paris attacks and the proper response, including counterterror and military measures in Syria and Iraq.

Neighboring countries present dangers, privations, and complications not present in Europe, and after hearing about these problems or experiencing them firsthand, many desperate Syrians have decided to head for the continent.

In this interview with the French newspaper L'Opinion, Washington Institute fellow Fabrice Balanche discusses the status of Syrian refugees inside and outside the country, as well as the Russian intervention and other recent developments. Download the PDF to read the full interview in French, or visit the L'Opinion website.

A new offensive near the key city indicates that ISIS may be racing Assad and his allies for control of northern Syria.