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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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Content

SyriaSource

Sep 1, 2016

Where Does It End?

By Frederic C. Hof

At least one senior US government official strongly disagrees with the view expressed by this writer that it is the Iran factor—the desire to achieve and protect the nuclear deal—that has stayed the hand of President Obama from using limited military means to protect Syrian civilians from Assad regime atrocities: mass homicide that has had […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 1, 2016

The Art of Burial During War

By Hikmat al-Habbal

In Syria, another tragedy begins after death. People who went out on the streets to change the status quo are surprised at how burial methods have changed and Syrians’ rituals around death are disappearing.

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 1, 2016

Sanctions as a Viable Action in a Complicated Environment

By Susan Waltz & Hossam Abouzahr

When the US Congress returns from its summer recess, the House of Representatives is slated to consider the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2016. The legislation—intended to expand the existing Syrian sanctions regime—is named after “Caesar,” the pseudonym of a military defector who smuggled some 53,000 photographs out of Syria in 2013 documenting the […]

Syria

In the News

Aug 30, 2016

Stein Quoted by Agence France-Presse on the Risks Involved with Turkey’s Operations in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Aug 30, 2016

Stein Quoted by Christian Science Monitor on the Risks Involved with Turkey’s Military Operation in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Aug 30, 2016

Aleppo’s Deteriorating Medical Sector

By Hosam al-Jablawi

July witnessed the most extensive attacks on Syrian health facilities, most of which were located in opposition-held areas of Aleppo and Idlib provinces. The Syrian Network for Human Rights announced in a recent report that 24 hospitals and 26 ambulances had been destroyed and four medical personnel killed in one month, constituting a significant threat […]

Syria

In the News

Aug 29, 2016

Bryza Joins CNN to Discuss Turkey’s Fight against Kurdish Forces in Syria

By Matthew Bryza

Watch the full interview here.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Aug 29, 2016

Bryza Quoted by Agence France-Presse on Turkey’s Fight against ISIS

By Matthew Bryza

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Aug 29, 2016

A Bad Defense for a Mistaken Policy

By Frederic C. Hof

More than half of Syria’s pre-war population now falls into one of the following categories: dead; dying; disabled; tortured; terrorized; traumatized; sick; hungry; homeless. The regime of Bashar al-Assad is responsible for the bulk of this rampant, remorseless criminality. The administration of Barack Obama, if it stays on its present course, will make it through […]

Syria

In the News

Aug 28, 2016

Itani Quoted by The Telegraph on Turkey Joining the Fight against ISIS in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

Experts