If the self-styled "Islamic State" is to be successfully combatted, the Syrian conflict has to be resolved. And for this, one thing is necessary above all: an alternative to the Assad regime. This alternative can only be created in safe zones, writes Kristin HelbergMore

The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces and the interim government it has formed have been subject to international criticism. They are regarded as ineffective, disunited and lacking support in Syria. Kristin Helberg spoke to the deputy prime minister of the interim government, Nader Othman, about elected provincial councils, progress and why Syria now needs engineers, not heroesMore

A comprehensive solution to the Syria conflict is still a distant prospect. And "freezing" the fighting will not succeed without UN monitoring. If the suffering of the people is to be alleviated and a foundation of trust laid for negotiations, local initiatives must be implemented with international support, says Kristin HelbergMore

In Syria, unilateral uncoordinated air strikes against IS (Islamic State) are turning people into victims instead of partners in the battle against terror. If they are to win over the Syrians, the international alliance must treat rebels and activists as allies, says Kristin HelbergMore

Fighting the war on terror together with Syria's President Assad would be not only cynical and morally bankrupt, but also a tactical mistake. As long as he is in power there will be jihadists in the region, because the Syrian regime has been using them for years to secure its grip on power, writes Kristin HelbergMore

There is no nation-wide democracy movement in Syria, but there are local initiatives that are defying the war, strengthening civil society and preparing the ground for a free and pluralistic political system, writes Kristin HelbergMore

In this commentary, Kristin Helberg says that there will be no negotiated solution to the Syrian crisis unless the conflict is escalated to international level. Until then, Syrians will continue to pay the price for the world's half-heartednessMore