MECRA
Iran’s Soft Power Campaign in Syria’s Deir al Zur Province: Advances and Limitations
By Omar Abu Layla When Islamists led by the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini took power in Iran in 1979, their intention was to establish a...
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MECRA RESEARCH BLOG
The MECRA research blog is composed of short articles and may include outside contributions. The views expressed in these blogs and articles are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the Middle East Center for Reporting and Analysis editorial stance.
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MECRA
- Sep 1, 2021
- 7 min
Increased worries in northeast Syria following US Afghanistan withdrawal
Text and Photos By WLADIMIR VAN WILGENBURG HASAKAH PROVINCE, Syria - During an embedded Coalition patrol near oil facilities close to the...
MECRA
- Mar 9, 2021
- 21 min
Iran tensions in the Middle East March 2021
IranThe daily updates are compiled by Seth J. Frantzman, Executive Director of MECRA. For the previous installment which covers December...
MECRA
- Mar 6, 2021
- 9 min
Assassinations increase in Deir Ezzor
By OMAR ABU LAYLA Charts courtesy of DeirEzzor24.net The term ‘assassination’ describes an organized and deliberate murdering of a...
MECRA
- Feb 28, 2021
- 7 min
Coalition continues support for SDF under Biden administration amidst increased challenges
By WLADIMIR VAN WILGENBURG During an embedded trip with the US-led Coalition to northeast Syria last week, it was clear that the...
MECRA
- Feb 25, 2021
- 1 min
On patrol with US forces in Syria
On February 20 a MECRA researcher flew to Syria to witness a patrol with US-led Coalition forces. The US has maintained several...
MECRA
- Feb 6, 2021
- 5 min
Al-Hol Refugees face ongoing tragedy
By OMAR ABU LAYLA With the departure of the ninth group of Syrians from al-Hol camp following the decision issued by the Autonomous...
MECRA
- Jan 16, 2021
- 5 min
Severe, wide-reaching Israeli airstrikes against Iranian militias in Syria bear a message for Iran
By OMAR ABU LAYLA Summary: Israeli airstrikes on January 13 struck hard at Iranian militias outposts and Assad’s forces in Deir Ezzor....
MECRA
- Dec 30, 2020
- 7 min
Iran’s soft power project in Syria, targeting of youth in Deir Ezzor
By OMAR ABU LAYLA Introduction Since emerging as a regional power and embracing the notion of exporting the revolution adopted by the...
MECRA
- Dec 17, 2020
- 4 min
Iran Continues Entrenchment efforts in Deir Ezzor area
By OMAR ABU LAYLA The Iranian nuclear scientist Muhsen Fakhri Zadeh’s assassination on November 28,, 2020, dealt a severe blow to Iran....
MECRA
- Dec 5, 2020
- 17 min
US-Iran and Israel-Iran tensions December 2020 to March 2021
For the previous installment of our daily Iran-US tensions blog, click here. For the next installment click here. December 1 Brodsky: Al...
MECRA
- Oct 25, 2020
- 5 min
As detainees are released from Al-Hol, concerns in Syria's Euphrates river valley
By OMAR ABU LAYLA What follows Autonomous Administration’ releasing thousands of people from al-Hol camp and SDF’ prisons? On October 15,...
MECRA
- Oct 16, 2020
- 8 min
Iran’s efforts at consolidation in Syria’s Deir Ezzor area
OMAR ABU LAYLA *The author is a Syrian expert who focuses on security and governance dynamics in northeast Syria. CEO @DeirEzzor24, which...
MECRA
- Aug 11, 2020
- 10 min
Syrian Democratic Forces faces protests and challenges in Deir Ezzor, Euphrates valley region
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN The Euphrates river valley southeast of Deir Ezzor (دير الزور) city has become restive in the first weeks of August...
MECRA
- Jul 5, 2020
- 10 min
Testimony of M: A former fighter with Iraq’s pro-Iran Shia militias reveals details of war crimes
Joining Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Witnessing a massacre in the al-Dour area in central Iraq I can't give my name, you may put any name. I am 41...
MECRA
- May 27, 2020
- 8 min
How did Turkish UAVs outmaneuver Russia's Pantsir air defense in Libya: Lessons and ramifications
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN A sophisticated attack on the forces of the Libyan National Army of Khalifa Haftar by the Turkish-backed Government...
MECRA
- May 16, 2020
- 7 min
The Fatemiyoun, Imam Ali base and recent moves by US, Russia, Israel and Iran
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN Recent moves by Iranian-backed Liwa Fatemiyoun (لواء فاطمیون) and Liwa Zainebiyoun, two units of Afghan and...
MECRA
- May 6, 2020
- 1 min
Map of recent airstrikes on Syria
An increase in airstrikes in Syria comes as Israeli officials say that Iran may be reducing is presence in the country. April and May...
MECRA
- Mar 13, 2020
- 1 min
Mapping the US retaliation for the Camp Taji attack March 11-13
March 11 7:35pm (Baghdad time): Rockets strike Camp Taji, Iraq. 8:26pm (Baghdad time) Iraqi security forces release images of the truck...
MECRA
- Mar 11, 2020
- 12 min
From March 11 coronavirus updates Middle East
View the previous live updates of the Middle East Coronavirus Daily Update (MECDU): First installment: February 15-25 Second Installment:...
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