The Syrian Civil War: A Military Strategic Assessment

EDAM Discussion Paper Series, 2013/5, 2 May 2013, 22 p.

Can Kasapoğlu & F. Doruk Ergun *

This study was designed as an “introduction to the Syrian battleground”. The paper is planned to answer two main questions as follows: (1) What are the ongoing conflict’s major determinants; (2) and how can they shape possible trajectory and final outcome of this armed struggle that has been taking place right at Turkey’s doorstep. In this way, we have concluded four key categories that are likely to determine fate of the Syrian civil war. The first determinant is the geostrategic aspect of the conflict which dictates the belligerents some critical imperatives to be addressed. The second determinant is the military strategic context of the conflict. Third, we preferred to focus on “the means of the force”, namely the arms supply. And fourth, we focused on how the conflict is perceived and fought; namely, on operational art and tactical doctrine angle. Through this analytical approach, the paper aims to put forward critical findings that might shed light on possible future trajectory of the Syrian civil war.

* Can Kasapoğlu, Research Fellow, EDAM. F. Doruk Ergun Research Assistant, EDAM

Download full text (Format Pdf)