Publication

This brief examines the expansion of Russia’s involvement in the Syrian civil war in September 2015, the state of the war in Syria and what these and other issues mean for UK policy to combat against the so-called Islamic State (IS). The author also examines the expansion of the US-led coalition against IS, the extent of Gulf State involvement, UK operations in Syria and how IS portrays itself in its propaganda. Finally, he provides recommendations for what policy the UK should adopt to deal with ISIS, including the suggestion that the UK should not expand its involvement in the fight against the group but concentrate more on diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives.