Strategic Assessment

The essay considers the territory in Syria that was liberated from the control of the Islamic State. Reclaimed territory in this war-torn state has been characterized by power vacuums that are often filled by pro-Assad groups, including Iranian proxy forces that severely repress local Sunnis. Subsequently, increased Iranian influence has fed resentment and legitimized Salafi jihadist forces in the eyes of many Syrian Sunnis. The essay advocates the counteracting of this trend by imbuing power vacuums with stability through local empowerment and non-sectarian governance, thereby mitigating ethnic and religious divisions. Examining case studies in Syria, the essay delineates policy implications for the United States and Israel, in order to reverse the negative trends identified.