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Syria Project

The Syria Project advances policy engagement and international partnerships during a pivotal political transition. It serves as a leading platform for independent analysis and high-level dialogue on US-Syria relations, economic recovery, governance, and regional reintegration, leveraging deep networks across Washington, Damascus, and the broader Middle East.

Learn more about the Middle East programs

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.

Content

SyriaSource

Jun 26, 2017

Syria: Policy Made in Tampa?

By Frederic C. Hof

Last week the US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman for the anti-ISIS (ISIL, Daesh, Islamic State) coalition announced what seemed to be a major clarification of American policy in Syria. Referring to a Syrian town on the Iraqi border, Colonel Ryan Dillon said the following: “If they [Assad regime forces] want to fight ISIS in Abu […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 26, 2017

Hof Quoted by the National on US Strategy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 24, 2017

Haid Quoted by Middle East Eye on U.S.-Syria Tensions

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 23, 2017

Lawlessness in Syria’s Regime-Held Areas and the Future of Governance in Syria

By Saleem al-Omar

Lawlessness is a major problem in Assad regime-held Syrian cities, especially those on the coast. This is despite the large number of security agencies that control those areas, along with armed militias that commit daily abuses against civilians and government institutions—violations the government ignores as it relies on the militias’ continued support. Such lawlessness raises […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 22, 2017

The Battle for Deraa and Iran’s Plans in the South

By Ahmad Abazeid

On February 12, 2017, the opposition operations center known as al-Bunyan al-Marsous announced the beginning of the battle for the regime-controlled district of Manshiya, dubbed al-Mawt wa-la al-Madhalla. The operation hoped to push the regime away from the border crossing with Jordan following a series of regime attempts to advance in that direction. The Manshiya […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 22, 2017

Are Kurdish-led Forces Trying to Reconcile with Former ISIS Members in Syria?

By Haid Haid

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US backed multi ethic alliance led by Kurdish forces to fight the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh), issued a statement on May 15th ensuring the protection of ISIS militants in Raqqa, the de-facto capital of ISIS in Syria, as well as their families if they surrender before the end […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 22, 2017

Assad’s Syrian State Strategy and the Disappointments of De-escalation and Decentralization

By Anthony Elghossain

De-escalation and decentralization may soon disappoint those who see such programs as possible solutions for Syria. To be sure, Syrians will welcome any reprieve from violence. And American and European officials may acquiesce to political proposals that they have long since lost the leverage to shape. Even so, neither de-escalation nor decentralization will work unless […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 22, 2017

Stein Quoted in ARA News on American Support of Kurds in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 22, 2017

Itani Quoted in the American Conservative on How America Armed Terrorists in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 22, 2017

Herbst Joins KCRW to Discuss the Complex Factions Fighting in Syria

By John Herbst

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria

Experts