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  • Virtual Briefing Series
  • What is the Kurds’ place in an evolving Syria?

    January 28, 2026

    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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