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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

Jun 17, 2016

How Marea Defeated ISIS (Again)

By Zuhour Mahmoud

For the past two years, rebels in the northern Aleppo town of Marea have repeatedly fought off attempts by the so-called Islamic State to take control of the area. Last week saw them successfully break the group’s siege and force it to withdraw.

Syria

In the News

Jun 17, 2016

Itani Joins NPR to Discuss the State Department’s Reaction to Obama’s Syria Policy

By Faysal Itani

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 16, 2016

The Nusra Front’s Impossible Position

By Hasan Arfeh

The city of Maarat al-Num’an in Idlib Province is continuing its revolt against the Syrian regime and extremist groups like the Nusra Front, al-Qaeda’s arm in Syria, and Jund al-Aqsa group. The dynamics between Nusra trying to impose control and Sharia law on the city, and the locals resisting it, give insight into the armed […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 16, 2016

Stein in War on the Rocks: Fear and Loathing in the Levant: Turkey Change Its Syria Policy and Strategy

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Jun 15, 2016

Syria Civil Defense: How a Group of Volunteers Has Saved Thousands of Lives

By Hosam al-Jablawi

In the early days of the Syrian Civil War, following an increase in casualties from regime air strikes on opposition-held areas, poorly trained civilians volunteers would transport the wounded for treatment and try to save civilians trapped in the rubble.  Their lack of experience led to the deaths of a number of wounded people due […]

Syria
Photo: FSA soldiers hold a planning session during the Battle of Aleppo, October 2012. Voice of America News, Scott Bobb reporting from Aleppo, Syria.

SyriaSource

Jun 15, 2016

#ACInteractive: Armed Opposition Groups in Syria

By Reema Hibrawi

This infographic below represents data collected on armed groups in the northwestern provinces of Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, and Hama as of May 2016. The data is compiled from the Carnegie Endowment, Carter Center, Institute for the Study of War, Clarion Project, archicivilians, and contacts in northern Syria.

Syria

In the News

Jun 15, 2016

Hof Quoted by Washington Post on Trump’s Syria Comments

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 13, 2016

Civilian Survival Strategies in Syria

By Natasha Hall

On Wednesday, June 8, at least 10 people were killed in strikes targeting the Bayan hospital in opposition-held Aleppo city. Staff from the nearby Children’s Hospital had to remove nine newborns from their incubators after the aerial assault, according to the Independent Doctors’ Association in Syria.. This adds to nearly 740 doctors and staff have been killed […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 13, 2016

Is the Assad Regime Switching Gears?

By Hossam Abouzahr and Tarek Radwan

Several recent events in Syria suggest that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his allies are changing their strategy to focus on retaking more land from the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) in concert with harassment bombing of opposition-held territories in western Syria. By focusing on retaking territory from ISIS, the Assad regime hopes to regain […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 10, 2016

Is Assad Delusional?

By Faysal Itani

In a matter of months, Bashar Assad’s reading of the Syrian war was transformed. In a June 7 speech to Syria’s Parliament, he vowed to retake “every inch” of Syria, dismissing negotiations with the opposition as a trap. In contrast, less than a year ago in July 2015, Assad gave a very different speech. Then, […]

Syria

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