Publication

This brief explores the prospects of the US working with parts of the Syrian population to facilitate a lasting political transition in the country and weaken the jihadists operating there. The cooperation could involve 1) creating a coalition between the Druze minority and non-jihadist, Sunni-dominated brigades in the south of Syria; 2) furthering Arab-Kurdish cooperation in northern Syria; and 3) cautiously pursuing greater engagement with Jaish al-Islam, a rebel group operating out of eastern Damascus. The brief's authors also discuss the strategic benefits and risks of working with these groups and how the US should adapt its policy towards them.