Take a look at the latest events in the traumatic and destabilizing conflict in Syria. The war has put neighboring countries under severe strain, with increasing spillover of violence as Syria becomes a major base for radical Islamist and jihadist movements, such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS). The conflict in Syria has also drawn in regional and international actors, including Russia and the U.S. leading to the emergence of a new regional order.

Amr Al-Azm is an associate professor of history and anthropology at Shawnee State University in Ohio. A keen observer of Middle East events, in particular Syria and its neighbors, Al-Azm previously served as director of Scientific and Conservation Laboratories at the Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums in Syria and as head of the Centre for Archaeological Research at the University of Damascus. He received a PhD in archaeology from University College London.