Patrick Megahan

1 month ago | longwarjournal.org | Seth J. Frantzman |Caleb Weiss |Thomas Joscelyn |Patrick Megahan

Analysis: How will the US-backed SDF be affected by PKK leader’s disarmament call? | On February 27, Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan called for his group to disarm and end its conflict with Turkey. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in eastern Syria have welcomed this statement, which may provide an opportunity for Turkey to change its policy in Syria, affect US policy, and impact SDF relations with the new government in Damascus.

Dec 9, 2024 | longwarjournal.org | Ahmad Sharawi |Caleb Weiss |Thomas Joscelyn |Patrick Megahan

Analysis: Who liberated Damascus? Unpacking the Southern Operations Room’s emergence | The Southern Operations Room, a coalition of armed groups active in southern Syria, was the first to enter Damascus, forcing Bashar al-Assad to flee. Although not formally affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the coalition’s shifting allegiances over previous years have heightened uncertainty regarding the situation in post-Assad Syria.