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Syria Project

Our work on Syria sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Syrians to fulfill their desire for democratic self-governance as the United States and the international community grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, millions of refugees across the Middle East and Europe, and ongoing security and political challenges spilling over Syria’s borders.


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Syria Strategy Project

The Atlantic Council, Middle East Institute, and European Institute of Peace collaborate with subject matter experts and policymakers in the US, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to sustainably forge a pathway to resolving Syria’s crisis.

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Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Content

Rebuilding Syria

May 18, 2017

Syria Reconstruction and the Illusion of Leverage

By Steven Heydemann

In early April, two days before the United States attacked a Syrian airbase with cruise missiles, high-level representatives from some seventy countries convened in Brussels for a conference on the future of Syria. The issue of Syria’s post-war reconstruction featured prominently on the agenda. Its presence signaled more than a concern with the daunting challenges […]

Syria

In the News

May 16, 2017

Stein Quoted by Quartz on Trump’s Support for Kurds

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

May 16, 2017

Stein in War on the Rocks: When It Comes to Syria and the Kurds, Erdogan Will Leave Washington Empty-Handed

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

May 16, 2017

The Battle for Idlib

By Ahmad Abazeid

Northwestern Syria, consisting of Idlib city and the surrounding province, northern Hama and western Aleppo provinces, forms the biggest inhabited zone under the control of the Syrian opposition. It is also home to the biggest concentration of pro-Assad forces, including multi-national Shiite militias. Despite the presence of the Nusra Front and other jihadist groups in […]

Syria

In the News

May 16, 2017

Hof Quoted in Vox on United States Arming Syrian Kurds

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

May 15, 2017

Stein Quoted by Al-Monitor on Trump Statements Concerning Assad Regime

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

May 15, 2017

Stein Quoted in the Wall Street Journal on Providing Antitank Weapons to Syrian Kurds

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

May 15, 2017

Ankara and Washington: Can “Yes” on Syria Be Achieved?

By Frederic C. Hof

The visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House offers an opportunity for two NATO allies to get to “Yes” on Syria. It is important that they do so. Yet as matters now stand it is doubtful that they will, and each side bears responsibility for a bilateral split that is entirely […]

Syria

SyriaSource

May 15, 2017

Raqqa and the Oil Economy of ISIS

By Rachel Kreisman

Since establishing its headquarters in Raqqa, Syria, in 2011, the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) has introduced its own brand of governance, infrastructure, and business. Now entering its sixth year in Raqqa, ISIS has largely solidified its primary means of acquiring income, the majority of which include criminal and illicit activities. Like terrorist groups before […]

Syria

SyriaSource

May 15, 2017

Discussion with Aaron Stein on the Decision to Arm the YPG

By SyriaSource

Listen to Rafik Hariri Center’s Senior Resident Fellow on Turkey, Aaron Stein‘s commentary on the decision by the Trump administration to arm the YPG and how it could affect US-Turkey relations and the military campaign in Syria. 

Syria

Experts