Syria

The Syrian conflict that began with nonviolent local protests in 2011 has since evolved into a geopolitical and humanitarian crisis. The devastating military campaign led by the Syrian regime, supported by the Russian and Iranian governments and their proxies has led to mass displacement, arrests, torture, and catastrophic loss of life. Along with other global powers, the United States faces important decisions regarding its future role in Syria. Centering Syrian voices is critical during this period of stabilization as the war-torn country grapples with security, economic, and political challenges amidst ongoing regional and international competition.

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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.


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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.

Content

In the News

Oct 7, 2016

Farkas Joins Steele & Ungar to Discuss How ‘Safe Zones’ Can Be Created In Syria And What That Would Require

By Evelyn Farkas

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria

In the News

Oct 7, 2016

McFate Joins BBC to Discuss the Role of Mercenaries From Yemen to Syria

By Sean McFate

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria Yemen

SyriaSource

Oct 7, 2016

Analysis: Why Assad’s Propaganda Isn’t As Crazy As It Seems

By Annia Ciezadlo

BEIRUT – On September 23, Syrian state media announced a new offensive against “terrorists” – its usual term for anyone in rebel-held areas – in eastern Aleppo, which has been under total siege by the government and its allied militias since July. The next day, an estimated 72 people died in government and Russian airstrikes on Aleppo, according […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 7, 2016

Slavin Joins VOA News to Discuss the Battle Over Aleppo and the US-Russian Stalemate in Solving the Syrian Crisis, the Vice Presidential Debate, and Another NSA Contractor Being Charged With Theft of Classified Material

By Barbara Slavin

Listen to the full interview here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 6, 2016

Increasing Tactics of Forced Displacement in Syria

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Four years of siege and starvation have forced remaining civilians in the Syrian city of Darayya to negotiate with the regime and accept being forcibly displaced in exchange for their lives. The city, which five years ago was home to 250,000 people, is now empty, just like so many other regions in Syria that have […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 6, 2016

Farkas Joins MSNBC to Discuss Syria’s White Helmets

By Evelyn Farkas

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Oct 5, 2016

Ashooh Joins Al Jazeera English to Discuss the US-Russia Syria Deal

By Jessica Ashooh

Watch the full interview here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 5, 2016

Cohen Joins Sky News to Discuss Russian Actions in Syria

By Ariel Cohen

Watch the full interview here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 5, 2016

Hof Quoted by Business Insider on the Prospective Fall of Aleppo to Assad

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Oct 4, 2016

Brzezinski Quoted by Voice of America on Suspended US-Russia Talks Over Syria

By Ian Brzezinski

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

Experts

Events