Politics of Siege in the Syrian Conflict 

4 June 2018  -  Leiden University, The Netherlands

In an insightful roundtable discussion at Leiden University titled "The Politics of Siege in the Syrian Conflict" on June 4, 2018, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj coherently addressed the opening session "Challenges of transcending the legacies of besiegement".   Mr. Hallaj provided a nuanced perspective on how sieges have shaped the Syrian war landscape since 2011.

The workshop delved into the strategic use of sieges by the Asad regime and its opponents to manipulate territorial control, negotiate with rivals, and redefine Syria's socio-political contours. The participants’ discourses highlighted the dire 'surrender or starve' ultimatums faced by civilians in the besieged territories and examined the aftermath for communities post-siege.

The roundtable brought together scholars and practitioners to explore the weaponization of civilians and its impact on shifting power dynamics and socio-political geography in Syria. The conversation was particularly focused on the evolution of the conflict, its ramifications on civilians trapped in the middle, and the legal and political repercussions of using siege tactics as a war tool.

This event aimed to illuminate various dimensions of siege tactics, with an emphasis on the interplay among warring factions, non-combatants, and the affected regions, offering a compelling view of siege warfare and its profound implications in the ongoing Syrian conflict.

Header Photo

A boy makes preparations for a cave under his house to be used as a shelter in Kafruma. 26 October 2012.  Photo © Giath Taha/Reuters - via SkyNews.  Link >

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