Delta-N Summary Edition Vol 1, No 0 | Page 13

Reports Regarding policy research think-tanks: the Syrian Centre for Policy Research as an example In the shadow of political affairs in Syria, the general emergence of policy research orientated think-tanks has been a direct reaction to those affairs. The absence of an independent, credible and reliable think-tank led to the establishment of the ‘Syrian Centre for Policy Research’ as an independent body that seeks to relay information on current Syrian affairs in an authentic manner. From the Centre’s headquarters in Damascus, reporters at Delta-N Journal conducted interviews with researchers Rabee’ Nasr, Zaki Mahshi and Reema Dali. In conversation with Rabee’ Nasr, we discussed the establishment of the Centre, working in a politically volatile environment, funding issues and other significant obstacles faced by the Centre. We also explored the effects of the current security situation in Syria on the Centre and questioned how it preserves a credible and impartial reputation in the research it produces. Finally, we concluded our interview by discussing some of the latest research produced by the Centre on current Syrian affairs. By: Delta-N reporters Delta-N Journal Summary Edition - June 2014 13