Syria Situation Report: January 21 - February 4, 2020
February 7, 2020 - Michael Land
The following Syria Situation Report (SITREP) Map summarizes significant developments in the war in Syria during the period January 21-February 4, 2020.
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Publications
Russia in Review: Belarus Update: Lukashenko Uses Oil Tariffs to Delay Integration with Russia
February 4, 2020 - Mason ClarkBelarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is using energy policy in his latest efforts to resist growing Russian pressure to integrate into Russia-dominated structures. Lukashenko’s efforts to diversify Belarusian oil imports will likely provide him with sufficient leverage to secure higher payments from Russia on Russian oil transiting Belarus. However, Lukashenko lacks leverage on the issue of Russian gas subsidies to Belarus. Lukashenko will not, in the long run, be able to prevent further integration with Russia.
Iraq’s Political Elite Identify Consensus Candidate for Prime Minister-Designee
February 3, 2020 - Brandon WallaceIraq’s President Barham Salih asked Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi to attempt to form a government and serve as prime minister. Allawi holds no parliamentary, popular, or military leverage and is unlikely to gain the necessary political capital to address the demands of protesters or challenge parliamentary powerbrokers. Allawi will not immediately take office – his cabinet must still be formed and approved.
Vladimir Putin's Staged Power Play
January 31, 2020 - Nataliya BugayovaRussian President Vladimir Putin launched a new phase in his campaign to retain power after 2024 when his current term expires. Putin offered Russians a revised social contract. Putin is reconfiguring the balance of power within the Russian government as he seeks to carve out an optimal spot for himself. Putin is in uncharted territory, trying to create a new transition model for Russia.
Podcast: Col. (Ret.) Ketti Davison on Iraq
January 24, 2020 - ISW Press
Davison traveled to Iraq with a team of experts organized by the United Nations High Commissoner for Refugees to assess the security and humanitarian situation on the ground. Listen to the ISW Overwatch podcast episode for her firsthand perspective.
Syria Situation Report: January 8 - 21, 2020
January 24, 2020 - Michael Land
Open protests and insurgent activity against the Bashar al-Assad regime in Southern Syria and likely attempts by Iran to move military shipments through Syria are among the recent developments in Syria.
Warning Intelligence Update: Iran Increases Pressure on U.S. Forces in Iraq
January 23, 2020 - ISW Press
Iran is attempting to coalesce its lethal Iraqi proxy militias, and potentially Moqtada al-Sadr and his supporters, into a more unified military force to target U.S. forces in the region.
Iraq Situation Report: January 17 - 22, 2020
January 22, 2020 - ISW Press
Popular protests against the Iraqi government have surged again in the lead-up to anti-U.S. protests planned for Friday, January 24 by Moqtada al-Sadr and Iran's proxy militias.
Audio: Russia's Global Media Influence
January 17, 2020 - ISW Press
Nataliya Bugayova and George Barros discuss their recently released assessment of Russia's attempt to expand its global media presence and deepen the Kremlin's influence.
Iraq Situation Report: January 14 - 16, 2020
January 17, 2020 - ISW Press
Iran is preparing to increase political pressure against the U.S. presence in Iraq by generating significant anti-American protests on Friday, January 24 with support from Moqtada al-Sadr.