Ninety-six (96) local, regional, and international organizations and entities (prime actors) were identified by their peers as influential in the life of Syria. In the chart below, the left column ranks the prime actors from most influential in shaping the life in Syria (Russia) to the least influential (Relief International).

The chart also shows the classification of prime actors into five stances indicating the actor's support and contribution to inclusive nationalism for Syria, starting from the most committed (Core) to the least committed (Saboteur).

Amount of influence of Iran in the life of Syria, and its commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria.

25 prime actors participated in the following:

  • Determining the rank of Iran according to the amount of its influence on life in Syria. As shown in the chart below, Iran ranked 2nd most influential prime actor.
  • Assessing and classifying Iran according to its commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria (also indicated in the same row by the colored rectangle). Of the 25 prime actors who participated in the assessments, more agreed that Iran falls under the category of 'Saboteur'. A prime actor assessed as Saboteur is seen as working against a sovereign, stable, inclusive, and developing Syria.
Syria R3 PA Iran x.jpg

In response to the question, “How would you weaken Iran, a prime actor seen as a Saboteur?”

Round 3 participants suggest: 

"[Force a regime] change of power toward a more democratic and secular style." (235781)

"The United Nations and the international community should block them from intervening in neighboring countries with economic sanctions. Designate the organizations they support as terrorists." (236371)

 

In response to the question, “How is Iran important in the life of Syria?” 

Round 3 participants stated (Nov. 2016 - Jul. 2017):

"They are important because of their military presence, logistics, supplies, and money. They had strategic luck in negotiating the agreement with Obama. Obama cared more about the agreement than Iran's activities in Syria.” (239312)

"Iran is the other face of the regime.” (236592)

"They have supported the Assad regime, and sent the Revolutionary Guard to assist. They have played a role in legitimizing Assad's role.” (233121)

"They support Hezbollah.” (235781)

"They are the devil.” (236371)

"They are an ally to Russia. They feed arms to Syria. They don't help with rebuilding or strategy, only weapons.” (233531)

"Iran is important throughout the Middle East because they are exporting revolution.” (230713)


Round 2 participants stated (Aug. 2016 - Oct. 2017):

“They are important, even to the United States, because they provide a strategic balance between the Shia and Islamists.” (221641)

“Iran is a major regional player, defends the Assad regime.” (226591)

 “Iran, like Hezbollah, is a killer of Syrian people. They have an argument with the Assad regime.” (220291)

“They are occupying Syria.” (221211) 

“They are very influential in Lebanon and Iraq. Syria is one of their most important bases. There is talk of the Shia Crescent.” (221641)

“They are bringing a new religion, changing the demographics of Syria.” (221211)

“Iran supports the Syrian government. It has troops on the ground and influences Hezbollah, which is also on the ground. It has strong relations with Russia.” (228631)
 

Round 1 participants stated (Jan. 2016 - May 2016):

“They support [Assad] with money and the Shia.” (218631)

“Iran spends $35 billion to support the Assad regime.” (216921)

“Iran spends $500 million/month to supply Hezbollah.” (215261)