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Testimony
Helsinki Commission

Securing Syria’s Transformation by Diminishing Russia’s Influence

michael_doran
michael_doran
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East
Michael Doran
Men riding a motorbike wave a Syrian flag as Syrian government forces enter the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli on February 3, 2026. (Getty Images)
Caption
Men riding a motorbike wave a Syrian flag as Syrian government forces enter the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli on February 3, 2026. (Getty Images)

Michael Doran testified before the United States Helsinki Commission, along with two other witnesses, to examine the legacy of Russia’s support for the Bashar al-Assad regime, the feasibility of evicting Russia from Syria, and Moscow’s ability to resist efforts to diminish its influence in the region.