Joshua Landis

Smoke rises after an airstrike on a rebel-held area, April 7th 2017

Syria expert opens up about the civil war's personal cost — even in Oklahoma

The civil war in Syria has created colossal human suffering. But it can still be surprising how profoundly this war has changed the lives of Syrians. One US expert describes the cost to his family and community.

Syria expert opens up about the civil war's personal cost — even in Oklahoma
A man sells cotton candy as he pushes his bicycle along a street in the rebel held al-Ghariyah al-Gharbiyah town, in Deraa province.

Here's why the partial truce in Syria has astounded even the experts

Here's why the partial truce in Syria has astounded even the experts
Militant Islamist fighters hold the flag of ISIS while taking part in a military parade along the streets of northern Raqqa province in this June 30, 2014 file photo.

Oil prices have collapsed, but oil-rich ISIS says it's still in the black

Oil prices have collapsed, but oil-rich ISIS says it's still in the black
Turkish soldiers are silhouetted atop armoured vehicles near the Mursitpinar border crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border on October 3, 2014.

The US has lots at stake in the Syrian border town of Kobane

The US has lots at stake in the Syrian border town of Kobane
Blue jerry cans, usually used by smugglers ferrying oil from Syria to Turkey, are stacked for sale in front of a shop in the Turkish border town of Hacipasa.

ISIS is selling cheap oil to its enemies — from Syria's government to the Kurds

ISIS is selling cheap oil to its enemies — from Syria's government to the Kurds
The battle for Syria continues. Here a Syrian national flag can be seen from a rebel position, flying over a building controlled by forces loyal to President Assad in Ashrafieh, Aleppo, September 17th 2013. (Photo: REUTERS/Muzaffar Salman)

The Fighting in Syria Grinds on Despite Diplomatic Deal

Anchor Aaron Schachter speaks with Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oklahoma, about what's happening in the Syrian civil war right now.

The Fighting in Syria Grinds on Despite Diplomatic Deal

With military option looming, experts examine how Syria might respond to airstrikes

The U.S. is continuing to move, slowly, toward military strikes on Syria, in response to the use of chemical weapons there earlier this month. But as U.S. officials move forward, some are wondering just was sort of response that might elicit from Syria.

With military option looming, experts examine how Syria might respond to airstrikes

How Would Syria Respond to US Strikes?

As US officials consider possible strikes in Syria, it leads to the question: how would Syria respond Both sides in the Syrian civil war have shown a willingness to stop at almost nothing to win.

How Would Syria Respond to US Strikes?

Syrian Rebels Now Better Armed With Help of Saudi Arabia

A higher grade of weapons is reaching Syrian rebel fighters from foreign countries. The New York Times reports that Saudi Arabia is purchasing weapons in Croatia for anti-government fighters.

Syrian Rebels Now Better Armed With Help of Saudi Arabia

Battle for Aleppo Rages as Ceasefire Looms

Anchor Marco Werman analyses the balance of power in Syria with Joshua Landis, of Oklahoma University, and Syrian opposition activist, Professor Amr al-Azm of Shawnee State University in Ohio.

Battle for Aleppo Rages as Ceasefire Looms

Violence continues to escalate in Syria with report of mass execution in Damascus suburb

Reports emerged from Syria over the weekend of a mass execution in the Damascus suburb of Daraya. If confirmed, it would be the worst atrocity in the year-long civil war. Meanwhile, an academic in the United States sees a grim, Lebanon-like future for Syria.

Violence continues to escalate in Syria with report of mass execution in Damascus suburb

High-ranking Syrian general defects as opposition group meets in Paris

Brig. Gen. Manaf Tiass became the highest-ranking military official to defect from Syria when news spread that he was on his way to Paris Friday. Is his departure a sign of what's to come as President Bashar Assad continues his violent crackdown on dissent?

High-ranking Syrian general defects as opposition group meets in Paris
The World

Why US Intervention in Syria Could Spell Deep Trouble

Joshua Landis, director of the Middle Eastern Studies program at the University of Oklahoma tells host Marco Werman that more assertive US intervention in Syria is unlikely to quell the violence there.

Why US Intervention in Syria Could Spell Deep Trouble

Massacre Near Homs Puts Pressure on US Role in Syria

Massacre Near Homs Puts Pressure on US Role in Syria

Wives of British and German Ambassadors Post YouTube Video Appeal to Syria's First Lady

The wives of the German and British ambassadors to the UN have released a video urging Syria's first lady to help end the bloodshed. The film, posted on YouTube, asks Asma Al-Assad to urge her husband, Bashar Al-Assad, to stop violent repression.

Wives of British and German Ambassadors Post YouTube Video Appeal to Syria's First Lady