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January 28, 2026

What is the Kurds’ place in an evolving Syria?

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Defense and Security, US Policy in the Middle East, Syria, Syria Initiative

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A four-day cease-fire between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was extended over the weekend. The truce follows a dramatic confrontation in which government forces seized large swaths of territory from Kurdish control, reshaping Syria’s political map. What do these developments mean for the country’s political transition?

This briefing featured Charles Lister, Senior Fellow with MEI and Director of its Syria Initiative. The briefing will also feature Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor’s chief correspondent, as well as Noah Bonsey, Senior Advisor on Syria with the International Crisis Group.

Our experts examined the latest surge in fighting and its impact on earlier plans for the SDF’s integration with Damascus, the fate of ISIS detainees in northeastern Syria, the US response to these developments, and Turkey’s role and influence in the country.

Expert

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent, Al-Monitor

Expert

Noah Bonsey

Senior Advisor on Syria, The International Crisis Group

Zeina Al-Shaib
Zeina Al-Shaib
Staff

Zeina Al-Shaib

Senior Director of Communications and Events

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