Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 02/2015

Train and Equip Not Enough for U.S.-Backed Syrian Rebels

Jeffrey White

January 2015

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abstract

As the U.S. train-and-equip program for vetted Syrian rebels reportedly approaches its long-delayed kickoff, many questions remain unanswered about its nature and purpose. Setting the new force's mission, strategy, capabilities, operations, process of commitment, and relationship to other opposition forces on Syrian battlefields will be critical to its prospects for success.