Issam Khoury

Far from the Battles of Aleppo

"Opposition gains control in Aleppo as corruption in regime areas exposed, while battles in Hama could decide the future of Syria's regime."

Priorities of the Syrian Democratic Forces

"Skirmishes rise between Syrian Democratic Forces and Turkey-backed factions, as both sides seek leverage before Trump’s administration begins."

The Sudden Attack on Aleppo

"Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's rapid advance near Aleppo signals a power shift, raising stakes for Turkey-backed factions and the Syrian regime."

Al-Assad Between the Clutches of Tel Aviv and Ankara

"Turkish-Syrian relations intensify amid Israeli, Iranian, and US influence. Erdoğan seeks control in Syria, balancing opposition and Assad regime."

Displacement without Return: It is the New Middle East

"Amid rising tensions, displaced Lebanese Shiites navigate uncertain futures across Syria and Iraq, reshaping the Middle East's socio-political landscape."

Military Movements of the Rescue Government

There is significant mobilization in the areas of Idlib controlled by the armed opposition.

Fear or Understanding between Russia and Turkey

"Tensions rise as Russia and Turkey navigate complex alliances in Syria and Ukraine, balancing national interests amid growing regional and global conflicts."

Policy or Militarization in Northern Syria

The Syrian opposition faces internal conflict and fragmentation, with military factions operating independently and Turkey playing a key facilitating role.

The Assad Instead of the Assad

Power shifts within the Syrian regime reveal strategic maneuvers by Bashar and Maher al-Assad, balancing economic influence and military dominance.

Observation Points and the Claws of Hezbollah Brigades "Kataib Hezbollah"

"Iranian-backed militias target U.S. observation towers in Syria, escalating tensions and leveraging local tribes to resist American influence in the region."

From Siberia

Russia recruits Middle Eastern mercenaries for Ukraine, exploiting them with poor pay, isolated training in Siberia, and strict control measures.

Recruiting or training Syrians?

Russian-Syrian military exercises at Tartus aimed at training and recruiting Syrian forces for Russian military operations, especially in Ukraine.

Iraqi Crisis Merchants

"Refugees in Iraq face exorbitant fees for residency permits, turning them into commodities in a system rife with corruption and exploitation."

What Perceptions Do Iranians Hold Towards Syrian Druze?

"Rising tensions in Suwayda as Iranian-backed militias deploy, escalating security risks and local unrest."

The Islamic Resistance in Bahrain against Israel

"Islamic Resistance in Bahrain's Saraya al-Ashtar targeted an Israeli company, raising concerns about Iranian-backed militias threatening regional security."

The Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) Mystery from China to Syria

"TIP strengthens as a key player in Syria's ongoing conflict."

Deportation of Syrians from Iraq

"Iraq's crackdown on Syrian refugees involves detentions and deportations, highlighting serious human rights issues."

The Embassy War or the Spy Nest War

Explore the "Embassy War": A look at how diplomatic sites double as military hubs in Middle East espionage and conflict.

The Expected Mountain War

"Israel preps for Qalamoun mountain warfare; tensions rise with Russian posts, IDF brigade setup."

Horizon of protests against al-Julani's leadership

"Insight into Idlib protests against HTS and al-Julani's rule, focusing on detainee releases and evolving demands for change."

Likelihood of Ground Incursions

"Israeli forces prepare for potential ground invasion in Golan Heights, affecting Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran. Regional tensions escalate."

The Noise of Assassinations and Nasrallah's Messages

"Analysis: Hezbollah's moves hint at deeper regional strategies, shaping a future fraught with uncertainty and potential conflict."

Russian Movements in Syria

"Russian control in Syria: strategic asset dominance, recruitment for global conflicts, and geopolitical tensions with Israel, US, and NATO."

The horizon of American strikes on Shiite militias

"US escalates strikes on Shiite militias, expanding conflict zones. Analyzing the impact on Middle East stability and US-Iran tensions."

Is Iranian Revenge Real or Just Noise?

"Analyzing Iran's missile response to the "Kerman" attack, the text explores strategic motives, regional impacts, and U.S. policy implications."

Chaos in Southern Syria

"Jordan strikes drug routes in Syria amidst tension; local conflicts intensify with external influences, complicating southern Syria's stability."

What's next for Saleh Al-Arouri?

"Assassination in Lebanon stirs tensions; Hezbollah may respond. Risks of regional escalation and internal division loom, reshaping security dynamics."

The long-term goal of drones

"Iran's advanced drone program, possibly aided by Russia, poses rising threats to regional stability and EU interests, elevating security concerns."

CSIORS Senior Advisor Expounds on U.S. Stance in Syria during Syria TV Segment

CSIORS Senior Advisor Issam Khoury Discusses Impact of Lebanon's War on Syria on CNBC

Issam Khoury on Air: Six Tough Questions Syria Can’t Dodge

Issam Khoury on Air: Six Tough Questions Syria Can’t Dodge

Issam Khoury on Al-Youm Channel: Redefining Minorities and Popular Will in Syria

Maritime piracy and Iran's arms in the Red Sea

"Insightful analysis of maritime piracy, highlighting Houthi actions and international law challenges."

Al-Liwaa party: Between Reality and Rumors

"Analyzing Al-Liwaa Party in Syria: Limited Resources, Youth Engagement, and Struggle for Social Acceptance in Sweida."

The cost of war and the benefits for Israel

"Israel's 2023 economic resilience and military aid in response to Hamas attack, highlighting US support and defense spending."

The fate of Palestinian labor in Israel after the Gaza battles

"Insight into Palestinian labor in Israel post-Gaza battles, examining economic and political impacts."

The Necessities of War

"Economic drive behind Gaza's war: IMEC project's safety and geopolitical shifts, distinct from general regional discussions."

New Middle East formulation and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

"IMEC project reshapes Middle East: A strategic pivot from Silk Road with global impact."

Ashkelon or Tel Aviv: Decisive Targets in the Gaza Conflict Narrative

"Ashkelon and Tel Aviv in Hamas' crosshairs amid Gaza's plight."

The Northern Front: Between Fire and Waiting

"Israel grapples with challenges on multiple fronts, facing both immediate tensions and threats, amid a backdrop of regional politics and Iranian influence"

We are the people

"In the face of deteriorating conditions, Sweida's protests symbolize growing opposition to Assad's regime, drawing international attention."

The Sweida Issue: A Dilemma for the Syrian Regime in Southern Syria

"Sweida crisis: Syrian regime's challenges, religious leadership's role, and steps toward unity."

Kurds and Arabs: The Crisis of Identity and Influence

"Exploring the intricate dynamics between Kurds and Arabs, this piece delves into historical identity clashes and the shifting power play in the Middle East."

Women of Iran in New York

"Iranian women champion dignity, freedom, and equality, shining a light on their crucial role in challenging regressive norms and seeking reform."

Ein al-Hilweh and the reality of the fragmented Palestinians

"Palestinian factions show discord in Lebanon's camps, reflecting varied loyalties and external influences, creating tensions and potential instability."

Information Division from strength to dilemma

"Lebanon's Information Division faces a pivotal shift, challenged by administrative affiliations and sectarian dynamics."

Balancing the Scales: Aid Distribution and Media Control in Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's Salvation Government

Exploring the influence of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham on the Salvation Government's media, job market, and aid distribution post-earthquake in Syria.

Rebellions and Realignments: Shifting Strategies in the Syrian Crisis

Dissecting the Astana Talks fallout amid dual rebellions and the potential reshaping of Syrian crisis negotiations.

Parallel Zones Project

“The border control strategy” This is a roadmap for resolving disputes in Syria under American guidance, and with the oversight of Syrian figures who

Exploring the Role of Socio-economics and Sectarianism in Terrorist Recruitment

Poverty is often identified as the primary factor attracting young people to join extremist organizations. The lack of job opportunities, especially in areas

Combating Extremism: Strategies and Tools

Safe Means for Radicals: Social media has diversified, and some platforms even encrypt calls to ensure privacy. Perhaps the most popular method for extremist

"Area 55: The Untold Story of US Strategy in Syria's Desert Frontier"

The visit of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the US Army, General Mark Milley, [1] to an American base in Syria [2] on March 4, 2023, preceded a

Fatemiyoun or ISIS?

Since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, the Syrian regime has consistently attempted to attribute numerous violations committed against civilians to the

The response to earthquake in Syria and Turkey

The victims of the two earthquakes that struck Turkey with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter and 7.5 on the Richter scale have constantly been increasing since

The captagon trade and Syria

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) [1] for Fiscal Year 2023 included, in one of its clauses, a bill to disrupt and dismantle the production of

A drifting economy

New Year 2023 was not a festive day as is usual in Syria, as the power outage (20 hours a day) coincided with a high increase in price in all products, reaching

Policy paper "The Muslim Brotherhood and the Turkish government"

Issam Khoury published a Policy paper entitled The Muslim Brotherhood and the Turkish Government. The text analyzes the dynamics of relations between

The Idle Government

December the 24th in 2003 was an exceptional day in Syria. Saturday was added as an official holiday in the week to be added to Friday, which was the week’s

Operation Claw-Sword

Four armored vehicles flying the American flag, accompanied by combat units of the Syrian Democratic Forces, headed on December 2, 2022 to the vicinity of the

2022 IRF Forum

CSIORS fellow expert in the US Issam KHOURY attended INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FORUM, which was held on October 27-28 in Washington DC. Here you

Federalism between realism and minorities in Syria

Issam Khoury published a policy paper entitled "Federalism between realism and minorities in Syria". This paper contains author´s comprehensive analysis of the

Policy paper "The Muslim Treasury and Minorities"

Al-Ghanayem office “The Muslim treasury, or Bayt Almal”, an office of the Syrian Salvation Government that is administratively affiliated with