The country has entered a vicious circle where Syria’s own resources are being used to destroy it, and where ordinary people have no choice but to rearrange their lives around the conflict and either join or pay armed actors to meet everyday needs.
The nature of ISIL and its ability to recruit based on economic needs is not something that can be countered by aerial bombardment.
The economy is the bedrock that any future Syria will be built on. This excerpt from the concluding sections of ECFR's policy brief explores what is left of that bedrock, how it has been transformed, and what European states can do in the light of the current state of Syria's economy.
The long-run viability of Syria will depend on economic recovery, it will not be decided by military victory on whichever side.
The world's largest arms fair is happening in London - with a little help from the government. After events in Syria and Egypt, its timing couldn't be worse.
International Alert supports a series of small post-conflict initiatives in Burundi. And some of the values that motivate these are also dear to the liberal hearts of the international community. A reply to Oliver Richmond’s ‘Liberal Peace Transitions’.
