Search Results

open access

Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response

Description: This report discusses the recent conflict in Syria including an overview of the situation, information about anti- and pro-Asad forces, background on chemical weapons and disarmament, plans for U.S. policy and assistance, and a general sense of the future outlook.
Date: June 27, 2014
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.; Humud, Carla E. & Nikitin, Mary Beth D.
open access

European Fighters in Syria and Iraq: Assessments, Responses, and Issues for the United States

Description: This report discusses U.S. and European assessments of and responses to the foreign fighter phenomenon. It focuses on government policies primarily in Western European countries and analyzes EU measures to counter the foreign fighter threat given the EU's largely open internal borders and that 23 EU member states belong to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
Date: April 27, 2015
Creator: Archick, Kristin; Belkin, Paul; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Humud, Carla E. & Mix, Derek E.
open access

The Islamic State and U.S. Policy

Description: This report provides background on the Islamic State organization, discusses its goals, operations, and affiliates, reviews U.S. legislative and policy debates, and describes select FY2017 legislative proposals.
Date: June 27, 2016
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M. & Humud, Carla E.
open access

The "Islamic State" Crisis and U.S. Policy

Description: This report discusses the current crisis involving the Islamic State, which is a transnational Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group that has expanded its control over areas of parts of Iraq and Syria since 2013.
Date: May 27, 2015
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.; Humud, Carla E.; Katzman, Kenneth & Weed, Matthew C.
open access

Proposed Train and Equip Authorities for Syria: In Brief

Description: This report reviews the authority granted in H.J.Res. 124 and explores similarities and differences among the H.J.Res. 124 authority, the President's requests, and other proposals that may be considered by Congress, including during anticipated consideration of FY2015 full-year appropriations or defense authorization (H.R. 4435/S. 2410) legislation.
Date: October 27, 2014
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M. & Belasco, Amy
open access

Syria after Hafiz al-Asad

Description: This report the country of Syria following the rule of Hafiz al-Asad. Dr. Bashar al-Asad seems poised to succeed his father, the late President Hafiz al-Asad, following the latter's death from a heart attack on June 10, 2000; however, Bashar is untested and may face challenges from other leading figures or dissidents. No major changes in Syria's position on peace talks with Israel or relations with the United States seem likely while the successor regime consolidates its control.
Date: June 27, 2000
Creator: Prados, Alfred B. & Ruebner, Joshua
open access

Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues

Description: An array of bilateral issues continue to affect relations between the United States and Syria: the course of Arab-Israeli talks; questions of arms proliferation; Syrian connections with terrorist activity; Syria's role in Lebanon; and Syria's opposition to the U.S. occupation in Iraq. A variety of U.S. legislative provisions and executive directives prohibit direct aid to Syria and restrict bilateral trade relations between the two countries, due largely to Syria's designation by the U.S. State… more
Date: July 27, 2006
Creator: Prados, Alfred B.
Back to Top of Screen