Blog
We use the blog to share our opinions and quick thoughts on various topics and engagements.
Iran’s Economic Involvement in Syria and its Implications (2011-2024)
In the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse, the Iranian government has faced domestic criticism over its massive expenditures to prop up the Syrian dictator, even as Iranians suffered economic
Captagon in 2024: Implications After the Fall of the Syrian Regime
In Feb 2025, New Lines Institute published a report by Karam Shaar, Roaa Obeid & Caroline Rose on how the Assad regime lowered the supply of captagon in 2024 to extract political gains—while keeping
Reflections on the Syrian National Dialogue Conference
This might be too late, but after my participation at the National Dialogue Conference two days ago, I had an interview with al-Araby TV, where I shared a few thoughts.
Syrian Caretaker Government Reveals HTS Influence
Our data shows 57% of the caretaker government ministers have been affiliated with the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG)—HTS’s administrative extension. Conversely, only 10% of other senior appointees are SSG-affiliated. These
Stephen Fallon on FATF and Syria
Read the full interview in Issue 6 of Syria in Figures. Read On X
Dutch Parliament Urges EU Action on Syria Sanctions
The Dutch Parliament passed a motion urging the government to push within the EU for a snapback of sanctions on Syria if minority rights continue to deteriorate under the interim
The Status Quo in Syria and the Emerging US Position
The US military and intelligence community are engaging with Syria’s interim government, yet Trump’s White House sees no justification for “rewarding terrorists” with sanctions relief. What does this contradiction mean
Syria’s Private Banking Sector
Syria’s private banking sector has faced near-total collapse since 2011, driven by sanctions, de-risking, and the loss of correspondent banking ties. Banks like Cham Bank and Al-Baraka Bank Syria survived
Assad’s Crony Capitalism
How to dismantle Assad’s crony capitalism? With figures like Rami Makhlouf, the Katerji family, and Samer Foz controlling key sectors, the CG faces a tough choice: accountability or risk of
What does Syria’s Caretaker Government reveal about its future?
What does Syria’s Caretaker Government reveal about its future? Our analysis of 21 ministers and 154 senior appointees shows: – 0% female ministers—limited gender representation. – Most ministers lack top-tier
UN Travel Exemptions for HTS and Leaders
Due to the UN’s listing of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as an entity, Syria’s president Ahmad al-Sharaa (under the name Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), and the intelligence chief Anas Khattab,