MEF Dispatch: Is Washington Undermining Its Own Syria Strategy?

понедельник, 26 января 2026 г.

With U.S. protection withdrawn, the Kurds in north and east Syria are under siege from the Islamist ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

View on web  |  Read what you missed Is Washington Undermining Its Own Syria Strategy? By Winfield Myers ● Jan 26, 2026 Smart Brevity® count: 6.5 mins...1714 words With U.S. protection withdrawn, the Kurds in north and east Syria are under siege from the Islamist government in Damascus. We begin this issue with three articles by Frzand Sherko, Jonathan Spyer, and Michael Rubin that address this dire situation. As Spyer writes, "So the Syrian Kurds, who fought and defeated the Islamic State a decade ago, are now mobilized in their heartlands and prepared for a new jihadi assault. The assault this time is carrying the banners of the internationally recognized authorities in Damascus." Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi translates an ISIS editorial on the fall of the Syrian prison camp of al-Hol, home to ISIS family members and others, to these same government forces. Three pieces deal with Iran, including a letter from a Tehran journalist—whose identity must be kept secret for her own protection—detailing what she saw during the mass killings by government forces on January 8 and 9, 2026. Dalga Khatinoglu and Elliot Nazar analyze additional developments in Iran. Articles by Sam Westrop and Dexter Van Zile examine Mormon charities' support for Islamist organizations, the Islamist-dominated Islamic school industry in Texas, and the Trump administration's designation of Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. Is Washington Undermining Its Own Syria Strategy by Betraying the Kurds? By: Frzand Sherko The House Armed Services Committee's directive for a sustainable defense partnership framework with Syrian actors is under pressure as U.S. diplomacy leans toward centralization. Why it matters: The Pentagon's February deadline to submit a Syrian partnership framework constrains Kurdish leaders' ability to negotiate for organizational integration. The outcome will significantly affect the security architecture that has helped defeat the Islamic State, with broader implications for regional stability and American diplomatic credibility. Barrack's centralization push: U.S. Syria Envoy Tom Barrack advocates for integrating fighters individually into a centralized Syrian military. This contradicts the preference for preserving organized local forces, risking destabilization. Historical lessons ignored: Centralization has previously led to instability in the Middle East. Authoritarian regimes have collapsed due to power concentration, highlighting federalism as a more resilient model. To read the full article, click here. As Syrian Forces Push Northeast, Kurds Mobilize Against New Jihadi Assault By: Jonathan Spyer Kurdish leaders brace for a fight as Damascus's forces approach, threatening the stability of the autonomous region in Syria. Why it matters: A collapse of Kurdish-led governance could lead to regional instability and set a precedent affecting Kurdish regions in Iraq. This development challenges the security architecture that has maintained peace since the defeat of the Islamic State. Two incompatible authorities: The Kurdish autonomous administration and the Damascus government have co-existed uneasily. Damascus's recent offensive aims to dissolve the Kurdish-led governance and impose centralized control. International dynamics: Kurdish leaders seek international support amid the threat from Damascus. Engagements with Israel and appeals to global powers highlight the urgent need for intervention. To read the full article, click here. Establish a Humanitarian Corridor to Kobane By: Michael Rubin The Syrian Kurds face a renewed siege in Kobane by Islamist forces under the Syrian Army, guided by Turkish intelligence. Why it matters: This siege threatens the stability and survival of the Kurdish region, echoing past conflicts and humanitarian crises. The strategic importance of Kobane as a symbol of Kurdish resistance against extremist forces cannot be overstated. Historical context: In 2014, the Kurdish victory in Kobane marked a successful partnership between the U.S. and Kurdish forces. The current siege undermines this legacy and raises questions about U.S. foreign policy. Humanitarian crisis: Kobane's civilians face dire conditions with a lack of aid, clean water, and medical resources. The international community's response is crucial to prevent further suffering and potential atrocities. To read the full article, click here. Islamic State Editorial on Syrian Government Takeover of al-Hol Camp By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi About the translation: This editorial from the Islamic State's al-Naba' newsletter was translated by Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, offering a glimpse into ISIS's perspective on recent developments in Syria. Why it matters: The collapse of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces raises concerns over the control of SDF-run prisons and camps, now under Syrian government administration. These camps, like al-Hol, house Islamic State members and displaced civilians, creating potential security challenges. Editorial's stance: The Islamic State interprets the SDF's loss as U.S. preference for a more subservient Syrian government. The rhetoric highlights ISIS's view of the government as 'apostates' and underscores internal divisions. Broader implications: The situation reflects a broader crisis within the Muslim Ummah, with ISIS framing itself as a vanguard against perceived tyranny. The editorial critiques U.S. policy and regional dynamics, predicting further instability without decisive intervention. To read the full translation and commentary, click here. Letter from Tehran: A Local Journalist Tells the Story of a Massacre By: A reporter in Tehran A reporter working in one of Tehran's media outlets describes what she saw during the mass killings by government forces on January 8 and 9, 2026. The Middle East Forum has withheld her name as she has already been interrogated several times by intelligence agents. Why it matters: The brutal repression highlights the Iranian government's determination to maintain control through violence and propaganda. The regime's actions have sparked outrage and raised concerns about human rights violations on a global scale. Government tactics: Repression forces used heavy weaponry and marked homes to instill fear among protesters. Journalists faced threats, and communication channels were severed to control the narrative. Propaganda machine: The government manipulates media to justify its actions. Iranian journalists are pressured to spread the regime's version of events internationally, risking lives and truth. To read the full letter, click here. Why Iran's Economy Is Irreparable Under the Islamic Republic By: Dalga Khatinoglu Iran faces severe financial strain, fueling protests met with deadly government repression. Why it matters: The economic collapse underlines the systemic issues within the Islamic Republic, pushing citizens to demand change. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's remarks reveal a lack of understanding of economic fundamentals. Economic realities: The U.S. dollar has doubled in value against the rial since January 2025. Despite increased oil revenues, corruption has worsened, undermining economic recovery. Call for change: Iranians see no resolution within the current regime's framework. The path forward lies in transitioning to a democratic and transparent system, prioritizing sustainable development and accountability. To read the full article, click here. Target Iran's Assembly of Experts By: Elliot Nazar As the U.S. considers military action against Iran, the Assembly of Experts remains poised to ensure continuity of the Islamic governing system. Why it matters: Removing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alone won't dismantle the regime's clerical foundation. The Assembly of Experts not only selects successors but also legitimizes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' actions. Power dynamics: The Assembly acts as a rubber stamp, reinforcing the regime's repressive behavior. Influential clerics and potential successors, like Ayatollah Ahmed Hosseini Khorasani, support conservative Islamic policies. Strategic options: Economic and military measures could disrupt the Assembly's influence. Targeted sanctions and preventing successor appointments may create opportunities for regime change in Iran. To read the full article, click here. Mormon Charities Among Top Contributors to Terror-Aligned Islamist Charities By: Sam Westrop A study reveals that Mormon charities, including the Church of Latter-day Saints, are significant benefactors to Islamist extremist groups. Why it matters: The findings highlight a concerning link between American non-profits and foreign extremist movements. These donations support organizations tied to Hamas and other violent groups, raising questions about oversight and accountability. Key players: Globus Relief, a Mormon charity, has provided substantial support to Islamic Relief and other radical Islamist charities. These groups have been criticized for their associations with terrorist organizations and anti-Semitic rhetoric. Implications: The involvement of Mormon charities in funding extremism poses challenges for U.S. foreign policy and domestic security. Greater scrutiny and transparency are needed to prevent misuse of charitable funds. To read the full article, click here. The Islamist Schools Industry in Texas By: Sam Westrop Following the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations, Texas officials question the eligibility of certain private Islamic schools for state subsidies. Why it matters: Islamist influence in education raises concerns about public funds supporting extremist ideologies. Many Islamic schools in Texas are linked to global networks tied to hostile foreign entities and extremist movements. Key concerns: Islamic schools in Texas, including Iman Academy and Houston Quran Academy, are scrutinized for extremist affiliations. These institutions have connections to radical clerics and Islamist organizations, posing a threat to moderate Muslim communities. Strategic implications: Expanding state designations could prevent public funding from supporting radicalized educational networks. Without action, Texas risks fostering future generations susceptible to extremist ideologies. To read the full article, click here. Counter-Islamists Applaud Trump Designation of Muslim Brotherhood Chapters in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt By: Dexter Van Zile Last week, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt as terrorist entities. Why it matters: This shift in U.S. policy marks a significant step in counter-terrorism efforts, targeting transnational Islamist movements. The designations activate sanctions and disrupt financial networks linked to these groups. Policy change: This move contrasts with the previous administration's approach that engaged with Islamist groups. The Trump administration's action reflects a broader strategy to counter the influence of Islamist networks globally. Reactions: While praised by counter-Islamists, the designations have sparked outrage among Islamist groups and their allies. Critics argue that the policy legitimizes attacks on civil society institutions in the Middle East and the U.S. To read the full article, click here. Further Reading: The Courage of Iranians and the Cowardice of Westerners By: Giulio Meotti Courage emerges in Iran where fear no longer has any power. The Strategic Legal Affirmation of Israeli Settlements By: Aaron J. Shuster An unresolved legal assertion continues to be treated as settled law. Why Organizational Finality Is the Only Solution for Gaza By: Amine Ayoub Gaza cannot be stabilized without ending Hamas. Libya-Linked Money-Laundering Case in Turkey Leaves Key Actors Untouched By: Abdullah Bozkurt Opposition lawmakers allege regulators, bank executives, and political figures were shielded as the probe was narrowed. The Hellenic Firewall: Reclaiming Libya's Stolen Billions By: Amine Ayoub Benghazi's outreach to Athens seeks to shield Libya's frozen assets from Russian and Turkish predation. We appreciate your continued support for the Middle East Forum. If you found this edition of the Dispatch useful, please share it with others and be sure to let us know your thoughts on our coverage via the comments feature. Sincerely, Winfield Myers Managing Editor, Middle East Forum Director, Campus Watch Was this edition useful? Your email will be recorded and shared with the sender MEF, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government. Copyright © 2025 Middle East Forum, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Middle East Forum 1650 Market Street, Suite 3600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Unsubscribe Powered by This email was sent by Middle East Forum via Axios HQ