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.


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.

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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

UkraineAlert

Oct 4, 2016

Stop Mistaking Russia for Europe

By Andrew Kornbluth

Like a coin inserted into a broken candy machine, the most recent attempt by the United States to broker a ceasefire with the Russians in Syria has vanished with nothing to show for it. Instead, in a calculated gesture of contempt, Russian and Syrian government forces annihilated a humanitarian convoy before beginning an unprecedented round-the-clock […]

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 3, 2016

Hof in The World Post: Putin v. Russia in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 3, 2016

Hof Quoted by ABC News on John Kerry’s Role in Syrian Peace Talks With Russia

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 2, 2016

Ashooh Quoted by Daily News on Russian Military Involvement in Syria

By Jessica Ashooh

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 1, 2016

Stein Quoted by Middle East Eye on Turkish-Backed Forces in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Sep 30, 2016

Farkas Quoted by Associated Press on Russia’s Role in Syria

By Evelyn Farkas

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Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 30, 2016

Itani Quoted by Vocativ on Russia’s Role in Syrian Ceasefire

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2016

NATO ‘Best Deal’ the United States Has Ever Made

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen warns against placing conditions on defense of allies In a thinly veiled swipe at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former secretary general of NATO, said on September 29 that it is in the United States’ best interests to be the world’s “policeman,” and it […]

Economy & Business Libya

In the News

Sep 29, 2016

Stein Quoted by Guardian on the US Role in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 29, 2016

Hof Quoted by Naharnet on Unlikely US-Russia Outreach in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

Experts

Events