By: Mazen Gharibah

The politicization of international support has transformed regime-affiliated NGOs into the ‘gate keepers’ of Syrian civil society and strengthened them at the expense of the independent grassroot initiatives.

By: Ayman al-Dassouky

The behaviour of the Syrian Army’s Fourth Division outside its traditional stronghold areas makes it difficult for those communities to rebuild and for displaced persons to return home.

By: Abdullah Al-Ghadhawi

The Kurds have entered a complicated game following the oil agreement between American company Delta Crescent Energy and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to modernize the oil fields and increase production in north-east Syria.

By: Assaad al-Achi

International support of local civil society is crucial but donors should seek the assistance of Syrian intermediaries and should also ensure any financial support does not attract the attention of the de facto authorities.

By: Walid Nofal

The Syrian regime is trying to restore its grip over regions where tribal leaders play a key role in local governance but the state’s decreased capacity and the absence of political transition in Syria means that this arrangement is unlikely to change anytime soon.

By: Reem Salahi

Although viewed as an existential threat by the regime, local governance initiatives are helping to bridge the gap where the state has failed and may prove invaluable in Syria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.