Publication

This brief explains how selective ceasefire violations by Syrian Government forces, the latter’s retaking of Palmyra, and the pending reconquest of Raqqa put Syria’s rebels in danger. However, if the US were to form and prepare an opposition rebel force and then help it seize Raqqa first, it would 1) deprive the Assad regime of liberating lands that are occupied by the so-called Islamic State, and 2) boost rebel support from the parts of the Syrian population who want nothing to do with either Assad or Salafi jihadists. The brief closes by describing the steps the US will have to take in order to make the above plan work.