CSIS Programs
Burke Chair reports on Syria cover US strategic objectives in Syria related to the Syrian Civil War, and the rise of Islamic State militants operating in both Syria and Iraq
Reports in this section include but are not limited to, the air war against the Islamic State; the economic, political, governance and human conditions leading up to the crisis; the range of US strategic options in Syria; and the ongoing humanitarian, security, and strategic considerations involved.
All content by Syria
Podcast Episode (1)
Australia, New Zealand & Pacific (1)
Caribbean Security (1)
Egypt and the Levant (28)
Russia and Eurasia (3)
The Gulf (24)
Counterterrorism and Homeland Security (35)
Defense and Security (78)
Defense Budget and Acquisition (7)
Defense Industry, Acquisition, and Innovation (4)
Defense Strategy and Capabilities (60)
Geopolitics and International Security (76)
Governance and Rule of Law (12)
Humanitarian Assistance (2)
Human Security (4)
International Development (16)
U.S. Development Policy (12)
Looking beyond the Biden Visit to the Middle East and the "Fist Bump"
The United States must look beyond short-term political visits and place a longer-term strategic importance on the MENA region's oil and gas, writes CSIS's Emeritus Chair in Strategy.
Report by Anthony H. Cordesman — August 4, 2022
Judging the Impact of U.S. Force Reductions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria
The current U.S. force cuts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria will have a lasting impact on the future U.S. defense posture in the region, writes CSIS's Burke Chair in Strategy.
Commentary by Anthony H. Cordesman — September 16, 2020
Ten Key Elements of a U.S. Strategy for the Gulf
The United States needs a Gulf Strategy that is less reactive and more oriented toward a consistent commitment to the region as well as its U.S. allies, writes CSIS's Burke Chair in Strategy.
Report by Anthony H. Cordesman — January 16, 2020
Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen
By neglecting the local civil conditions that lead to and underly its "failed state" wars, the United States ignores necessary components in securing peace and stability.
Report by Anthony H. Cordesman — October 25, 2019
Syria: Looking Beyond the Kurdish Crisis to Long Term Instability and a Near Certain Future of Civil Violence
Today's crisis in Syria can only be addressed by treating the cause of its instability and not just the symptoms of it. In the meantime, no actors in the region are willing to engage that hard truth.
Commentary by Anthony H. Cordesman — October 21, 2019
An Ongoing Discussion on Syria
Melissa Dalton discusses the current situation of the ongoing conflict in Syria and the sudden withdrawal of U.S. forces there.
Podcast Episode by Bob Schieffer and H. Andrew Schwartz — October 16, 2019
Losing on All Fronts: The Mattis Resignation and Trump's Failed Strategies for America's Wars
The President's decision was based on a fundamentally wrong strategic assumption: ISIS is not defeated and still has a significant presence in Syria and Iraq.
Commentary by Anthony H. Cordesman — December 20, 2018
America's Failed State Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen: Still Less Than Half a Strategy
The U.S. needs to make critical and time-sensitive decisions regarding the future of its wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
"Peace" in Pieces: The Tragedy of Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan
Iraq is a major oil power, a critical buffer against Iran, and a far more dangerous source of future conflicts that can directly threaten key U.S. strategic interests.
Commentary by Anthony H. Cordesman — September 6, 2018
Losing by "Winning": America's Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria
The new Administration seems to have accepted the legacy of the previous Administration by largely abandoning the civil side of each war. It is dealing with major insurgencies and civil war as if they were limited terrorist movements.
Commentary by Anthony H. Cordesman — August 13, 2018