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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

Aug 2, 2016

The Evolution of Global Jihadist Ideology

By Mona Alami

On Thursday last week, the Nusra Front seceded from its parent organization al-Qaeda and rebranded under the name Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, a move many experts labeled as merely a name change. However, the change, sparked by the organization facing growing external and internal pressure, indicates the preeminence of local interests over global ideology as the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Aug 1, 2016

How the Microcosm of the Syrian War Was Encircled

By Faysal Itani

Some four years after rebels captured much of Syria’s largest city, the regime and its allies finally encircled their territory in Aleppo. Through the final week of July 2016, these forces severed the last remaining opposition supply line, Castello Road, and likely intend to besiege rebel-held parts of the city and their estimated 300,000 inhabitants. […]

Syria

In the News

Aug 1, 2016

Itani Quoted by Bloomberg on the Importance of Aleppo to Government Forces in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Aug 1, 2016

Finding Ground Truth in Syria: Bringing Light to a Confused Information Environment

By Eric Wolterstorff

The situation in Syria is far more complex than what people have been describing. Unfortunately, the people who are responsible for understanding Syria strongly disagree with each other about who the prime actors are, who influences the country, the influence of actors relative to each other, and the overall state of the country. The current […]

Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2016

Hof Quoted by Business Insider on the Problem of Russia in Syria

By Frederic Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 28, 2016

The Truth of the Islamic State’s Governance

By Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently

By building its own state, the Islamic State (ISIS) seeks to make a mark for itself by transforming from a group of gangs roaming the desert to a modern state larger than Great Britain that extends across Iraq and Syria. It has possession of major sources of funding from both its manufacturing and underground resources, […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 27, 2016

Will Turkey Accelerate Granting Citizenship to Syrians after the Failed Coup?

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Early this month, a speech by Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan announcing an initiative to grant citizenship to Syrian refugees caused widespread controversy in Syrian and Turkish circles alike. Recent events in Turkey may have accelerated the program, with the government now taking tangible steps towards the initiative, particularly as relates to prominent Syrian artists […]

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jul 27, 2016

Itani in War on the Rocks: What if a US-Russian Deal in Syria Goes Exactly as Planned

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Jul 27, 2016

Hof Quoted by Now. on What Hillary Clinton’s Syria Policy Might Be

By Frederic Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jul 26, 2016

Will Erdoğan’s Crackdown After Failed Coup Chill Turkey’s EU Dream?

By Mitch Hulse

In the wake of an attempt by factions of the Turkish military to oust Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from power on the night of July 15, foreign policy experts point to increasing instability and a tightening authoritarian grip as core barriers to the resumption of Turkey’s European Union accession negotiations. “There will be no […]

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