The Potential and Outlook for Syria’s Oil Sector

What is the potential for the oil sector, and how much oil can the Caretaker Government in Damascus produce? What challenges does the sector face?

Obstacles and Opportunities for Syria’s Electricity Sector

What are the bottlenecks to the recovery of Syria’s electricity sector? The relative roles of fuels, production capacity, and sanctions, and how external actors can help.

Sanctions in Transition: Proposing a Path Forward

With sanctions being the main leverage for the West on the emerging government in Damascus and the main impediment to recovery, easing them should be a delicate balancing act.

Russian Investments: The State of Play After Bashar al-Assad

Assad’s fall jeopardizes Russian economic ventures in Syria, particularly those linked to Kremlin oligarchs, but the Caretaker Government has made positive statements so far.

External Contribution: The Captagon Trade After the Downfall of Assad

While Assad's fall ended state-backed captagon production, the rise of small trafficking networks and the specter of a shift to crystal meth are complicating efforts by Syria's new government to curb the trade.

Caroline Rose, New Lines Institute.

Editorial Note: Unprecedented Uncertainty

Aoun al-Dadat Crossing: The Intersection of Extortion and Lawlessness

The Aoun al-Dadat crossing in northern Syria epitomizes corruption and abuse, with displaced families suffering extortion and violence under local powerbroker Zakouri’s control.

Syrian Entrepreneurship in Türkiye

Syrian businesses in Türkiye boost the economy with jobs and exports but face anti-immigrant sentiment, regulatory hurdles, and limited resources.

US Sanctions Legislation Up in the Air

With Caesar expiring soon and the Anti-Normalization Act parked in the Senate, what have Syrian Americans been advocating? What are the points of contention?

Beijing's Empty Promises to Damascus

China's promises of investment, including those made after Syria’s admission to the Belt and Road Initiative, remain unfulfilled, hindered by instability, sanctions, and Russian-Iranian dominance.

External Contribution: Steven Heydemann

Smith College, and The Brookings Institution Syria in the Crosshairs: US Policy in the Trump Administration

What does Trump’s presidency mean for Syria? Professor Heydemann shares his views on the main characteristics of the incoming administration and the possible scenarios.

Interview: Ibrahim Olabi

Founder of The Syrian Legal Development Programme and Barrister at Guernica 37 Justice for Syria: The Role of Litigation and AccountabilityThis interview highlights how litigation and accountability foster justice and stability in Syria, tackling challenges like sanctions, funding, and normalization in a post-conflict transition.