In war-torn Syria, the earthquake represents a crisis within a crisis. Due to the economic collapse, severe fuel shortage, and war-related disruptions to emergency and medical services, Syria is uniquely vulnerable and poorly positioned to deal with such a natural disaster. Against this backdrop, several NGOs, nonprofits, and local organizations have intervened and are focusing on life-saving rescue efforts. The scale of the catastrophe, however, is far beyond their capacity. If you are concerned for the people in Syria, consider supporting teams that are operating around the clock to help people affected across the country.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of organizations that accept financial donations.

• Syrian American Medical Society
• Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
• International Committee of the Red Cross 
• White Helmets
• Bassmah and Zitoneh
• Hand in Hand
• Syria Relief and Development (SRD)
• Caritas Switzerland 
• HEKES
• SEMA International
• Norwegian Refugee Council
• Action for Humanity
• Rahma Worldwide
• SFUSA
• MedGlobal
• Molham Team

We the EUI Syria Initiative team express our deep sadness at the tragic loss of life and destruction across Syria and Turkey and extend our sincere condolences to the families of those affected by the devastating earthquakes and aftershocks.

This study examines the impacts of water scarcity and pollution on the agricultural sector and the population in Syria. It also explores the consequences of the destruction of and damage to water infrastructure caused by the war. Alongside this, the study analyses the rising cost of both drinking and non-drinking water for the population.

The EUI Syria Initiative is looking for external collaborators that could carry out research on wartime and post-conflict Syria.

Syrian nationals and females based in Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan are strongly encouraged to apply.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience in field-based research on Syria.

• A track record of publications, with a focus on themes at the sub-national level.

• Strong analytical skills.

• Proficiency in English and Arabic.

The eligible profiles will be included in a roster of experts and will be contacted in case of specific assignments.

To apply please send your resume (max 2 pages) together with a one-page cover letter, highlighting your research skills and expertise at the following email address: comm.medirections@eui.eu (Subject: Syria Initiative – External Collaborator)

Non-governmental organisations in the city of Aleppo have undergone deep transformations since 2011. Relying on various tools, the regime ensures its domination over registered local NGOs and their international backers, primarily to serve its own interests and those of its war-born networks and only marginally to address the needs of the local population. Based on qualitative interviews with local actors and a sample of 17 local NGOs, this paper examines the role of the biggest charity and development associations which operate in the fields of relief aid, healthcare, education and care for orphans and the disabled. The paper also analyses the different levels and mechanisms of intervention used by the regime in the NGO sector.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, Tartous has experienced a number of socio-economic changes that have both pressured its local community and the Assad regime and that have revitalised local politics. This is evident in the response of many traditionally prominent and emerging families to the war dynamics. These families have strengthened their kinship ties and expanded their local networks in line with the interests of the regime. Many state officials’ families have thus secured their positions in the post-war socio-political order in Syria, while the regime maintains control over local arrangements. Changes have shaped local policies relating to religion, humanitarian aid and the war economy.

The Islamic State’s attack, 20 January 2022, on al-Sina’a prison (al-Hasaka city) took both the international Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces by surprise. The Islamic In 2018, the Syrian regime expanded its control in the country’s western and southern regions. This shift in territorial control, however, did not lead to an interruption of illicit activities. The regime has fostered the creation of a favourable environment for smuggling networks to continue functioning, exploiting the post-war fragile environment in Syria and economic decay in Lebanon and Jordan. Based on rare access to state-affiliated and non-state actors involved in smuggling activities in Syria, all of which took place between December 2021 and April 2022, this paper investigates the dynamics and actors involved in smuggling between Syria and Lebanon, and from Syria to Jordan.

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The Islamic State’s attack, 20 January 2022, on al-Sina’a prison (al-Hasaka city) took both the international Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces by surprise. The Islamic State remains, on the evidence of this raid, a centralised organisation, coordinating efficiently at the regional level. The Islamic State is seizing the opportunities for action left to it by various local military forces. It is still taking advantage of the tensions from counterinsurgency strategies led by Western countries. The success of the war on terror will depend on the capacity of the Coalition to manage the new political landscape that this war helped create in Syria and Iraq.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022 is probably the most significant historical event since the US and British led invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003 regarding its worldwide consequences. In addition to its catastrophic humanitarian impact in Eastern Europe, the war in Ukraine is already having a wide impact on the global economy, especially in commodity markets, with the prices of oil and gas escalating rapidly. Russia and Ukraine provide almost a third of the world’s wheat exports and over 70% of all sunflower oil export as well as 20% for corn, 26.6% of barely and 11% for oil, while Russia is one of the world’s most significant suppliers of fertilizer and related raw materials such as sulphur. Since the invasion, ports on the Black Sea have nearly ceased all forms of commercial activity resulting in historic rise of wheat prices, surpassing levels witnessed during the global food crisis of 2007-08. Both countries have also temporarily banned wheat exports. According to a study published by the OECD in March 2022, “the moves in commodity prices and financial markets seen since the outbreak of the war could, if sustained, reduce global GDP growth by over 1% in the first year, with a deep recession in Russia, and push up global consumer price inflation by approximately 2,5%”.

Syria is not isolated from these global dynamics and Russia’s economic weakening. Although Russian has not acted as a financial backer of Damascus, the economic dependency of the Syria regime towards Russia has increased following Russia’s military intervention in Syria in 2015.

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Smuggling goods in and out of Syria to Turkey and Iraq has long been an essential part of the Syrian economy. Smuggling was dominated by affiliates of the Syrian regime before 2011, and new actors have since emerged. The increase in smuggling activities during the Syrian conflict has been encouraged by many factors, and illicit trafficking has taken on different forms depending on the level of collusion and cooperation between actors. Smuggling has created complex patronage networks with even foes working together. To develop adequate strategies to limit illicit flows, policymakers must adopt a holistic approach. Measures need to go beyond security to be effective.