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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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

SyriaSource

Sep 27, 2016

Refugee Victims’ Families Still Search for Answers and Solutions

By Jiwan Soz

In August of last year, 71 refugees (59 men, 8 women, and 4 children) from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan traveling from Hungary to Austria were found dead in a truck on the side of the road. The incident was covered briefly in the news and quickly forgotten, but for the victims’ families, who are still […]

Syria

In the News

Sep 27, 2016

Herbst Quoted by Rudaw on Assessing the Russian Intervention in Syria

By John E. Herbst

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2016

The Presidential Debates: Here’s What We Would Like to Know

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her Republican challenger, Donald Trump, took part in their first presidential debate in New York on September 26. The debate was the first of three. Here are some questions the Atlantic Council’s experts would like to pose to the candidates.

Colombia Russia

In the News

Sep 26, 2016

Itani Quoted by The Telegraph on Aleppo Takeover by Syrian Regime

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 26, 2016

Hof Joins BBC to Discuss Syrian Ceasefire

By Frederic C. Hof

Listen to the full discussion here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 26, 2016

Alami in Al-Monitor: What’s Keeping Syria’s Rebel Forces from Consolidating their Power?

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 26, 2016

Braw Joins Monocle 24 to Discuss Sweden Putting a Military Unit on Gotland

By Elizabeth Braw

Listen to the full discussion here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 26, 2016

Syria: The High Cost of Taking Russia at its Word

By Frederic C. Hof

The all-out assault on Aleppo by Russian and Assad regime aircraft, targeting as it does aid convoys, hospitals, homes, market places, and mosques, seems to have mildly surprised and deeply upset senior American officials. Saddled with a president content to look the other way while mass murder unfolds, they had persuaded themselves that Moscow’s demands […]

Syria

In the News

Sep 25, 2016

Itani Quoted by The Arab Weekly on US and Russia’s Efforts to Salvage Syrian Ceasefire

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 25, 2016

Hof Quoted by The Washington Post on Wishful Thinking on Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

Experts

Events