The Dissolution of the Eighth Brigade in Deraa

Analysis

Today, the Eighth Brigade, a local armed formation based out of the town of Busra al-Sham in east Deraa countryside in southern Syria, announced its dissolution via a video statement issued by a leading figure in the formation called ‘Muhammad al-Hawrani.’ What is the background behind this event and what is its significance? For example, is the event connected to the new Syrian government’s ties with Russia and the United Arab Emirates as some have speculated?