Anton Mardasov is a non-resident scholar in MEI's Syria Program. He is also a non-resident military affairs expert at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) focusing on Syria, Iraq and extremist organizations. Anton is the author of numerous articles in the Russian media, several studies and chapters of books on Russian strategy in Syria and the Syrian opposition, as well as Moscow’s relations with Iran, Lebanon, and Egypt. His articles and commentary have appeared in Al-Monitor, Al Jazeera, Asharq Al-Awsat and others. In the past, Anton has been a consultant to the analytical departments of the security services of two oil companies. He is based in Moscow.