Publication

This paper looks at the predicament Syrian rebels now face in Aleppo and how they might forgo the support of extremist Jihadi groups. The text’s authors specifically contend that if a political process were to begin over the disposition of rebel forces in the Aleppo area, it would further the interests of moderate and non-Jihadi Islamists and help isolate the extremists. To facilitate such an outcome, Germany and its European allies should 1) pressure Russia to commit itself to the above process, and 2) encourage supporters of the Syrian opposition to liaise with those who would facilitate a potential transition process.