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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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Middle East Programs

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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SyriaSource

May 23, 2017

How the ‘De-Escalation Zone’ Plan Benefits Syria’s Foreign Players

By Lorenzo Trombetta

BEIRUT – Russia, Iran and Turkey’s recent agreement to create “de-escalation zones” in Syria is a result of Moscow’s significant steps towards partitioning the western part of the country into zones of – sometimes foreign – influence. The Kremlin’s plan, proposed at the recent round of Astana negotiations, safeguards its own interests in Syria, while giving […]

Syria

SyriaSource

May 19, 2017

Turkey is Missing Out on an Opportunity to Integrate Syrian Refugees and Revive its Economy

By Saleem al-Omar

The victory of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the constitutional referendum held on April 16 spurred great enthusiasm among the Syrian population in Turkey, who hoped that the AKP would use the victory to also help the Syrian refugees. However, the government has not taken any steps to improve the lives of Syrians. […]

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

May 19, 2017

How Did the US End up at the Gates of Raqqa?

By Loubna Mrie

With Trump’s approval last week to directly arm the YPG, the United States is gearing up for the battle to capture Raqqa city from the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh). To understand how the United States got to this point—arming proxy forces, troops on the ground, all the while conducting air strikes—one can ask: […]

Syria

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

Experts