Reports Syria: A Way Forward (Dec. 2012) This paper reviews the history of the modern Syrian state and the diverse domestic, regional and international factors that have led to the current conflict. The paper also reviews the dynamics feeding into the conflict and the convergence of pressures which have led to the continuing violence in the country. The paper also presents findings from recent ICOS field research carried out in northern Syria. Finally it gives recommendations … More  Syria: A Way Forward 17 Dec 2012 Field research from northern Syria released: Free Syrian Army supporters do not support foreign military boots on ground Eighty percent of Syrians interviewed fear regime will use chemical weapons “Neo-Salafist” dynamic must be countered, and further Opposition support conditioned on agreement to dismantle chemical weapons London, 17 December 2012 – Field research from northern Syria was released today giving new insight into the opinions of supporters of … More Afghanistan Transition: The Death of Bin Laden and Local Dynamics (May 2011) Research regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden, conducted immediately following the event, revealed mixed opinions among Afghan men interviewed. The majority of respondents thought his death was good news, with the most significant pockets of negative opinion present in Kabul University and Marjah district in Helmand. Opinions of those interviewed were split on whether or not his death will signify the end of Al … More Death Of Bin Laden And Local Dynamics New report: Sixty-eight percent of Afghan men interviewed said Bin Laden’s death is good news Divided opinions on the effect of Bin Laden’s death on the future of Al Qaeda and Taliban Military successes in Afghanistan, but Taliban pushback on hearts and minds campaign Kabul – Sixty-eight percent of men interviewed in five districts of Afghanistan and Kabul University said the death of Osama Bin Laden is … More Afghanistan Transition and Kabul University: Winning Minds, Losing Hearts (May 2011) Young Afghans have a vital role to play as the international community begins reducing its military and civilian presence in Afghanistan and students at Kabul University are likely to be at the forefront of their generation and can be key players in a successful and durable transition. There is support for international military operations and for the transition from the students interviewed at Kabul University, … More Winning Minds, Losing Hearts: Perceptions At Kabul University Almost 60% of male Kabul University students interviewed believe that an “Afghan Spring” could take place Forty-two percent of students interviewed do not think that Al Qaeda is finished as a result of Bin Laden’s death Many students interviewed show alignment with international political and security goals, but resent foreign presence International community is “winning minds, but losing hearts” Kabul – Almost 60% of young men interviewed … More Afghanistan Transition: Dangers of a Summer Drawdown (February 2011) This report looks at the current dynamics in Kandahar and Helmand provinces, southern Afghanistan, in the context of the United States’ announced plan to begin drawing down military forces in Afghanistan in five months. The surge of 30,000 additional US forces has changed the security dynamics on the ground significantly, with the additional troops making major gains in clearing districts previously held by the Taliban. … More |
