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ISIS Resurgence Project
ISW is monitoring how the ISIS threat to American interests is evolving as the campaign to displace the group from its territorial strongholds winds down. ISIS has lost significant terrain in Iraq and Syria but it is not yet defeated and has already set conditions to resurge in key areas in both countries.
Russia in the Middle East
Russia has exploited its intervention in Syria not only to shape today's battlefield but to fundamentally alter tomorrow's regional environment in a direct challenge to U.S. national security interests. The Russian military's buildup in Syria is one aspect of the reality the Kremlin is creating on the ground.
The Syrian War's Next Phase
The U.S. has vital national security interests at stake in Syria beyond the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS). Following the U.S. announcement that it will withdraw its forces, a range of actors, including al Qaeda and the Russo-Iranian coalition, are preparing to vie for greater influence.
Ukraine's Future
Ukraine is in a pivotal election year in 2019. Far from facing a "frozen" conflict, the Ukrainian government is defending against a full-spectrum Russian campaign that targets the U.S. and NATO partner state using multiple pressure points.
Russian Airstrikes in Syria: February 29-March 15, 2016
ISW has been a key actor in tracking Russian airstrikes in Syria since September 30, 2015. Our maps have appeared in the global print, broadcast, and online media.
Iraq 2021-2022: A Forecast
The United States cannot stabilize—or safely deprioritize—the Middle East without first stabilizing Iraq.
Iraq is Fragile, Not Hopeless: How Iraq’s Fragility Undermines Regional Stability
The stabilization of the Iraqi state remains strategically important to the United States and worthy of a concerted US policy effort.
Iraq Control of Terrain Map: February 9, 2016
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Sunni Arab tribal fighters backed by Coalition air support recaptured central Ramadi on January 9, the completion of a six-month operation. Iraqi Security Forces entered the city center on December 22.
The Pitfalls of Relying on Kurdish Forces to Counter ISIS
American over-reliance on Kurdish forces as the primary ground partner in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) threatens the long-term success of the anti-ISIS campaign.