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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

In the News

Jun 28, 2016

Stein Quoted by Foreign Policy on ISIS’ Failure to Claim Responsibility for Istanbul

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 27, 2016

On the Anniversary of Hafez al-Assad’s Death: How He Divided the Alawite Sect

By Saleem al-Omar

This month marks the sixteenth anniversary of the death of Hafez al-Assad, a man who built the foundation of Syria’s civil war and still influences its course today. He had supported his Alawite sect along with other minorities to secure their support for him and as a counterweight to the Sunnis, showing favoritism towards those […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 25, 2016

Itani Quoted by Muftah on Russia’s Role in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Jun 25, 2016

Hof Quoted by RFE/RL on Russia’s Strategy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jun 23, 2016

Urban Development Seen as Critical to Countering Violent Extremism

By Meghan Rowley

Food, water, and energy insecurity, as well as economic and social inequality, form a “nexus” of issues that create an environment that breeds violent extremism, according to a senior US State Department official.

France National Security

SyriaSource

Jun 23, 2016

Can Military Action Save Syria?

By Omar Hossino

Last week, 51 State Department diplomats signed a dissent memo critical of US policy in Syria, calling for military strikes against President Bashar al-Assad’s government to force it to adhere to the February 26 cessation of hostilities (CoH). Concrete military action against the regime is the only course of action available to the United States […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 22, 2016

Ashooh Joins NHPR to Discuss the Current Situation of the Syrian Civil War

By Jessica Ashooh

Listen to the full discussion here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 22, 2016

Ending the Free Ride

By Frederic C. Hof

The call by 51 State Department officials for President Barack Obama to consider military strikes to slow down and complicate the human eradication campaign of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad is stimulating the usual litany of objections and excuse-making. Just as the free ride for mass murder in the Balkans in the 1990s was successfully challenged by […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 21, 2016

Hof Quoted by Business Insider on Syria Dissent Within State Department

By Frederic Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 21, 2016

Hof Joins NPR to Discuss US Military Strategy in Syria

By Frederic Hof

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria

Experts