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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

Jan 6, 2017

The Consequences of Merger Talks among Syrian Rebels

By Haid Haid

The internal divisions among rebel groups in eastern Aleppo and their infighting during the recent Syrian regime’s offensive led to a poor military performance and helped the latter to recapture the rest of the city. Protests erupted, as a result, in many opposition-held areas, condemning rebels’ mistakes and demanding them to unite. Many rebel fighters […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 6, 2017

Ceasefire in Syria: Good News?

By Frederic C. Hof

Turkey and Russia are struggling to sustain a Syrian ceasefire. The Assad regime and a range of nationalist, Turkish-supported rebel organizations are supposed to stop shooting. Excluded from the terms are Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly the Nusra Front), the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), and Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, Daesh). If the ceasefire somehow takes […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jan 5, 2017

ISIS Puts Turkey in its Crosshairs

By Rachel Ansley

Though Turkey’s engagement in the war in Syria has resulted in a series of attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) over the course of the past year, the most recent attack on a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year’s Day will only harden the Turkish government’s resolve to defeat the Islamist […]

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Jan 3, 2017

The United Nation’s Failure is Not de Mistura’s Fault

By Daniel R. DePetris

On December 19, the United Nations Security Council managed to do something on Syria that it has rarely been able to do over the past six years: pass a binding resolution with the unanimous support of all five permanent members.  Indeed, the Security Council has been so deadlocked over the Syria question that even a […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 3, 2017

Advising Trump on Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The incoming president and his national security team suffer no shortage of free advice on a full range of national security and foreign policy issues. Syria is no exception. Prospective senior officials are sipping from the proverbial fire hose preparing for January 20th. What do they need to know now, especially in the wake of […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 27, 2016

Alami in Middle East Eye: Aleppo Defeat Exposes Divisions within Ranks of Ex-Nusra Front

By Mona Alami

Alami in Middle East Eye: Aleppo Defeat Exposes Divisions within Ranks of Ex-Nusra Front

Syria

In the News

Dec 26, 2016

Itani Quoted by the Associated Press on Turkey’s Influence in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Dec 22, 2016

After the Loss of Aleppo, the Military Opposition is under Pressure to Reconfigure Itself

By Hosam al-Jablawi

The victories of the Syrian opposition forces came to an end with their taking of the city of Idlib over a year and a half ago. After the Russian military intervention on behalf of the Syrian regime, these forces have turned to defending their own areas. Since that time, they have lost key regions—the most […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 22, 2016

Herbst Interviewed by DW on Future of Russia-Turkey Relations After Death of Russian Ambassador

By John E. Herbst

Read full article here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 22, 2016

How the Regime Capturing East Aleppo is Affecting Syria’s Salafi-Jihadist Scene

By Mona Alami

The regime retaking east Aleppo and decreased support from Turkey for Syria’s rebels is having a deep impact on Syria’s Salafi-jihadi scene. In the last couple of weeks, several statements, leaks, and information from other Islamist groups point to internal struggles in Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. In both cases, the power struggles within […]

Syria

Experts