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.


Group of world leaders sitting around table set up.

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

Apr 11, 2016

Banking on the Generosity of Others

By Frederic C. Hof

In an April 7 interview with Hassan Moawad of Al Arabiya, Secretary of State John Kerry’s imprecision on the political future of Bashar al-Assad and the nature of Syrian political transition illustrated with fine granularity some critical shortfalls in the administration’s approach to Syria. By downgrading the importance of recent Russian-Assad regime military gains and […]

Syria

In the News

Apr 7, 2016

Hellyer in The National: Alawite Statement Raises Questions About Autonomy

By H. A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Apr 7, 2016

Slavin in Al-Monitor: Private Collectors Fuel Demand for Looted Mideast Antiquities

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

North Africa Syria

SyriaSource

Apr 6, 2016

Demographic Change: Assad’s Guarantee for an Alawite Quasi-state

By Ghaith al-Ahmad

The Syrian regime is working to secure the Damascus areas, starting with al-Zabadani at the Lebanese borders towards Homs and the suburbs bordering al-Asi (Orontes) river, which Hezbollah has entrenched itself it. The regime is also working to strengthen its grip on the coastal cities Tartous and Latakia, which are the stronghold of the Alawite […]

Syria

UkraineAlert

Apr 6, 2016

Obama Silent on Violence in Nagorno-Karabakh, While Putin Plans Shuttle Diplomacy

By Matthew J. Bryza

Absence of US Leadership May Have Consequences in Syria, Ukraine, and Beyond The United States has been conspicuously absent during the latest crisis over Azerbaijan’s breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh (NK). The White House has not yet issued a statement on this unprecedented uptick in violence. US Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement released on April […]

Syria The Caucasus

In the News

Apr 6, 2016

Defense One Features Atlantic Council Report ‘Distract, Deceive, Destroy: Putin at War in Syria’

By Atlantic Council

Defense One featured the Atlantic Council's DFRLab report called "Distract, Deceive, Destroy," which focused on Russian air forces in Syria.

Conflict Disinformation

SyriaSource

Apr 6, 2016

Alawite Identity in Syria

By H.A. Hellyer

Earlier this month, the BBC reported that representatives of the Alawite community in Syria released a document of ‘identity’—in summation, a declaration of Alawism and its place and relevance in Syria. The role that sect plays and has played within the domain of Syrian and regional politics is tremendous, and is perhaps one of the […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Apr 5, 2016

Distract, Deceive, Destroy: Atlantic Council Report exposes Putin’s deceptions in Syria

By Ashish Kumar Sen

A new Atlantic Council report uses open-source data to link Russia to attacks on civilian facilities and the use of cluster bombs in Syria.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Apr 5, 2016

Atlantic Council Report ‘Distract, Deceive, Destroy: Putin at War in Syria’ Featured in The Guardian

By Atlantic Council

The Guardian featured the ground-breaking report "Distract, Deceive, Destroy" which uses open-source research to detail Russian air forces in Syria.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Apr 5, 2016

Ghaddar in NOW: Hezbollah Goes Corporate

By Hanin Ghaddar

Read the full article here.

Middle East Syria

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