Charles Lister
I am a Senior Fellow and Director of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute, focusing on Syria, terrorism, and insurgency across the Levant. My work also examines regional security dynamics and the evolution of jihadist movements, including al-Qaeda and ISIS. I have served as a consultant to the UN’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, and as an expert witness and advisor on counterterrorism to US, European, and Australian authorities.
At MEI, I lead the Resolving the Detainee Crisis project with ICSR and the Syria Strategy Project with the Atlantic Council and the European Institute of Peace, producing the 2025 report Reimagining Syria. Previously, I was a Visiting Fellow at Brookings Doha and led engagement with more than 100 Syrian armed opposition groups. I hold an MA (Hons) in International Relations from the University of St. Andrews.
Who Are We ?
Karam Shaar Advisory is a New Zealand-based limited-liability consulting company. We focus on Syria’s economy and politics, covering topics ranging from macroeconomics, monetary economics, energy, aid, conflict economics, actor mapping, and sanctions. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of international organizations, governments, NGOs, and the private sector.
Led by Dr. Karam Shaar, who has over a decade of experience in the field, the stellar team has in-depth and unparalleled knowledge of the Syrian context, with skills ranging from economic and political research to data analysis, field assessment, KYC, OSINT, programming, and AI-driven analytics.
We know how to influence policy and produce quality research recognized and published by world-leading think tanks and media outlets. With a team spanning various control areas within Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon, New Zealand, the United States, France, and Germany, we never lose the connection to the ground and know first-hand the needs of those trying to empower Syrians abroad.