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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

Dec 15, 2016

Scenes from East Aleppo as the Regime Closes in

By Saleem al-Omar

It is difficult to describe the situation in Aleppo. As of the writing of this article, opposition forces and an estimated 75,000 civilians are now encircled in a space no larger than three square kilometers in the al-Ansari and Mashad neighborhoods. The latest massacre was the killing of all civilians and wounded at the al-Hayat […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Dec 14, 2016

The Fall of Aleppo… And What Happens Next

By Rachel Ansley

The fall of Aleppo to the Russian-backed Syrian army marks the turning of the tide in the Syrian civil war, and leaves the remaining rebels and besieged citizens with little safe recourse from the advance of government forces, according to an Atlantic Council expert. “I think this war of frontlines where the opposition tries to […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 14, 2016

Hof and Itani Quoted by Business Insider on Assad’s Victory in Aleppo and the Likelihood of More War

By Frederic C. Hof and Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 14, 2016

Itani Joins Fox News to Discuss the Violence Renewed in Aleppo Between Government and Rebel Forces

By Faysal Itani

Watch the full interview here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 14, 2016

Hof Joins NPR to Discuss What’s Next for Syria’s Rebel Groups and How Foreign Leaders May Face Responsibility for Lack of Intervention

By Frederic C. Hof

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 13, 2016

Report Summary: Air Strikes in Deir Ezzor

By Brittany Keroack

This article summarizes a report by the Justice for Life Observatory (JFL) in Deir Ezzor. The report, titled Deir EzZor: The Dust of Warplanes, catalogs bombings by all actors—Russia, the regime, and the US-led anti-ISIS coalition—in the besieged city of Deir Ezzor. However, it is not meant to serve as an exhaustive list of air […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 13, 2016

Hof in Defense News: Separating Friend from Foe in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 13, 2016

Farkas Joins MSNBC’s Morning Joe to Discuss the Syrian Conflict

By Evelyn Farkas

Syria

In the News

Dec 13, 2016

Itani in the New York Times: What Comes After Aleppo Falls?

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 12, 2016

Why the Opposition Can’t Fight in the Coastal Mountains

By Saleem al-Omar

Frequently, activists of different stripes call for revenge against the regime for Aleppo or the Damascus countryside by opening the Syrian coastal front where, during the last four years (prior to the Russian intervention), the opposition controlled wide swaths of the mountains. That is, until the Russians forced the opposition groups to withdraw and only […]

Syria

Experts