Recent analysis

Explore our Syria work


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.


Group of world leaders sitting around table set up.

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.

Featured experts

Past events

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

Mar 22, 2017

Unseen Casualties of Syrian Sanctions

By Rhys Dubin

In a little-noticed news item, on March 8, security forces in Beirut raided several money transfer shops accused of sending upward of $20 million to militant groups in Syria. Lebanese security forces arrested at least six Lebanese nationals and closed 16 stores in several neighborhoods throughout the city.

Syria

In the News

Mar 22, 2017

Castelló-Catchot Quoted by El País on Russia, Turkey, and Syria

By Carles Castelló-Catchot

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

Rebuilding Syria

Mar 22, 2017

The Economic Case for Syria’s Stabilization

By Rashad al-Kattan

It is fairly easy to consider Syria as a hopeless case, as the country seems trapped in a vicious cycle of nihilistic violence and colossal destruction. The economy is now completely shattered and fragmented, with each party building its own independent entities. The systematic – but imbalanced – collapse of economic foundations is seen across […]

Syria

In the News

Mar 21, 2017

Hof Quoted by Foreign Policy on Raqqa and US-Turkey Relations

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

Uncategorized

Mar 21, 2017

US Role in Syrian Reconstruction

Syria

In the News

Mar 21, 2017

Alami in the Middle East Eye: Syria war: The Recent Attacks in Damascus are Only the Start

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Mar 20, 2017

Stein Quoted by Agence France-Presse on Russian-Kurdish Cooperation during Syrian Conflict

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

MENASource

Mar 20, 2017

Turkey Is in a Bind as Syria’s War Approaches its Final Chapter

By Aaron Stein

Russian and American action in Syria is fundamentally at odds with Turkish interests. The two international actors have both backed the People’s Protection Units (YPG), the armed wing of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), in ways that harm Turkish interests. The PYD is the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an insurgent […]

Syria Turkey

In the News

Mar 20, 2017

Alami in the Middle East Eye: ANALYSIS: Hezbollah Enters Drone Age with Bombing Raids in Syria

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Drones Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 20, 2017

Six Years of War: Is Assad Still Relevant?

By Frederic C. Hof

Six years ago, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad betrayed his country by authorizing lethal fire on peaceful protesters. As war in Syria enters its seventh year, the price for the political preservation of one man, one family, and one entourage has been staggering, in Syria and far beyond. Observers numbed by the enormity of a humanitarian […]

Syria

Experts