Publications

Assad Regime Loses Idlib to Jabhat al-Nusra and Rebel Offensive

March 31, 2015 - Jennifer Cafarella
Rebel forces led by al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (JN) wrested control of Idlib City from the Assad regime on March 28, 2015. Removing the regime from a second provincial capital is arguably the biggest rebel victory since the fall of al-Raqqa to JN and rebel forces in March 2013. It represents a turning point in the Syrian civil war that is likely to alter the trajectory of the conflict in coming months, with implications for how rebels wage war in 2015.

Iraq Situation Report: March 28-30, 2015

March 30, 2015 - Sinan Adnan

The contest for Tikrit is escalating. The ground offensive to retake the city has resumed following U.S. airstrikes, although without the Iranian-backed militias that withdrew in opposition to coalition involvement.

Iraq Situation Report: March 26-27, 2015

March 27, 2015 - Sinan Adnan

Iranian-backed militias have exhibited mixed reactions to the participation of the U.S.-led coalition in the Tikrit operation.

Ukraine Crisis Update: March 26, 2015

March 26, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Against the backdrop of continued ­fighting outside Mariupol and Donetsk, Ukrainian oligarch and volunteer battalion fi­nancier Ihor Kolomoyskyi stole the headlines this week.

Iraq Situation Report: March 24-25, 2015

March 25, 2015 - Sinan Adnan

Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has announced that the "last phase" of the Salah ad-Din operations has begun, likely in reference to the operation to retake Tikrit.

Syria Situation Report: March 17-24, 2015

March 24, 2015 - Jennifer Cafarella

Merger of Prominent Islamist Groups Provides JN Opportunity to Establish Partnership:  The absorption of Suqour al-Sham into HASI counters rising JN influence in northern Syria by consolidating the combat power of major Islamist elements of the opposition. The merger does not, however, necessarily challenge JN’s military supremacy nor jeopardize its ongoing efforts to govern.

Syria Situation Report: March 17-24, 2015

March 24, 2015 - Chris Kozak

Merger of Prominent Islamist Groups Provides JN Opportunity to Establish Partnership:  The absorption of Suqour al-Sham into HASI counters rising JN influence in northern Syria by consolidating the combat power of major Islamist elements of the opposition. The merger does not, however, necessarily challenge JN’s military supremacy nor jeopardize its ongoing efforts to govern.

Iraq Situation Report: March 21-23, 2015

March 23, 2015 - Sinan Adnan

The deployments of ISF units from the south to various fronts in western and northern Iraq between December 2013 and the present has caused a security vacuum in the southern provinces.

Iraq Situation Report: March 18-20, 2015

March 20, 2015 - Sinan Adnan

Iraqi Security Forces, Shi'a militias, and the Popular Mobilization have begun to shell Tikrit. Shelling may disrupt ISIS within the city, making further advances to clear ISIS possible. Shelling will also likely inflict civilian casualties, which may have divisive consequences within the Popular Mobilization.

The Taliban Resurgent: Threats to Afghanistan’s Security

March 20, 2015 -

The success or failure of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan has reached a critical juncture. Far from defeated, the ongoing Afghan insurgency remains a serious challenge and threatens to reverse hard-won prior gains.

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