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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

Mar 22, 2016

Bombings in Brussels

By Frederic C. Hof

Mass murder in the Brussels airport and metro was almost certainly either Islamic State-planned-and-executed or inspired. Coming as they did very soon after the arrest of a Brussels-based perpetrator of the November 13, 2015 ISIS massacres in Paris—an operation planned in Raqqa, the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) “capital” in Syria—these Brussels outrages may have […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 22, 2016

#5YearsWeFled: Cutting Ties to the Past

By Ayman Jalwan

This is the second part of a series of interviews with the lawyer Ayman Jalwan. It highlights the difficult choice that Syrians face—dying in the war zone that Syria had become, or fleeing the land they love. Last year, Ayman Jalwan and his wife said goodbye to their families and joined the wave of citizens […]

Syria

MENASource

Mar 21, 2016

The Problem with the Obama Doctrine

By H.A. Hellyer

The ‘Obama Doctrine’ is finally taking shape—with The Atlantic magazine revealing its most salient points through a series of conversations with the US president—but the insights are not all flattering, not least when it comes to the Arab world.

Iraq Libya

SyriaSource

Mar 21, 2016

Top News: March 21, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Pro-regime fighters killed battling ISIS near Palmyra – Syria peace talks grind toward pivotal Assad question – Death toll climbs from air strikes on ISIS-held Raqqa – Russia says might use force against ceasefire violators in Syria – Suicide bomber kills four, wounds 36 in Istanbul shopping district – EU-Turkey deal to return refugees from Greece comes into force

Syria

In the News

Mar 19, 2016

Hof Quoted by Hurriyet Daily News on Putin’s Strategy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Mar 19, 2016

Hof Quoted in Defense News on Russia’s Foreign Policy Intentions in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2016

Can Japan Help End the War in Syria?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Interview with Kota Suechika of Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan Japan can use its good relationships with various actors in the Syrian civil war to help end the conflict that this month entered its sixth year, according to Kota Suechika, a professor at the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. Japan’s […]

Japan Syria

In the News

Mar 18, 2016

Stein Joins WHYY’s Radio Times to Discuss EU Deal with Turkey on Syrian Migrants

By Aaron Stein

Listen to the full story here.

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Mar 18, 2016

Farkas Quoted by The Washington Post on Russia’s Military Strategy

By Evelyn Farkas

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 18, 2016

Top News: March 18, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS claims killing of five Russian troops killed near Palmyra– UN seeks to reach over 1 million besieged Syrians in six weeks– UN envoy urges clear proposals from Damascus at Syria talks – White House says ready to help ICC genocide probe in Syria, Iraq– Bomb kills policeman in southeast Turkey

Syria

Experts