As of the US State Department briefing on December 21, 2017, the situation in Syria and Iraq had seen significant changes, particularly regarding the territorial control of various groups. Key points include:
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Defeat of ISIS: By late 2017, the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) had lost a substantial amount of territory in both Iraq and Syria, marking a critical shift in the balance of power. In Iraq, ISIS had been pushed out of major cities such as Mosul, which had been a stronghold.
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Stabilization Efforts: Efforts were being made to stabilize regions that were previously under ISIS control, with increased focus on rebuilding infrastructure and fostering local governance.
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Shifts in Control: Various groups, including Iraqi government forces, Kurdish forces, and Syrian Democratic Forces, were gaining ground against ISIS, leading to a more complex landscape of control with multiple players involved.
These points indicate a shift from a scenario where ISIS was a dominant force to a situation where they were significantly weakened and facing territorial losses.