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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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Learn more about the Middle East Programs

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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Content

In the News

Mar 18, 2016

Slavin Joins VOA News to Discuss Russia’s Partial Withdrawal from Syria

By Barbara Slavin

Listen to the full story here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 17, 2016

Putin and Assad: Is There a Split?

By Frederic C. Hof

Speculation abounds on the relationship between Moscow’s military drawdown announcement and the state of bilateral relations between Russia and Syria’s Assad regime. Does the Russian move indicate a split between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad? If there is a split, is it strategic or tactical? If these parties are diverging, what are the implications […]

Syria

MENASource

Mar 17, 2016

Can Turkey’s Economy Endure a Syria Intervention?

By M. Hande Akmehmet

Ankara risks not only diplomatic ties, but also economic ties with its neighbors and the rest of the world as it moves further away from its “zero problems with neighbors” foreign policy. Turkey’s economy and budget have been squeezed by the high priced bill from Ankara’s foreign policy maneuvers.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Mar 17, 2016

Stein in Al Jazeera: The Intentions of Syrian Kurds with Self-Administration

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 17, 2016

Top News: March 17, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian Kurds declare federal region amid wide criticism– Kurdish group claims responsibility for second Ankara attack– Russia to complete Syria pullout within days– Aid agencies call for full access in Syria as conflict enters sixth year– Japanese journalist Junpei Yasuda missing in Syria, surfaces in video– EU leaders push on with contested Turkey migrant plan

Syria

In the News

Mar 16, 2016

Stein Quoted by Time on the Role of Syrian Kurds in Syrian Peace Talks

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 16, 2016

Top News: March 16, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian Kurds say they will declare federal region in Syria– Russia withdraws almost half of Syria strike force– UN envoy to meet pro-Russia Syrian opposition group at talks– Kerry, Putin to discuss Syria as Russia seeks to bolster influence– Denmark’s TV2 channel opens office in Syrian capital

Syria

In the News

Mar 16, 2016

Herbst in The National Interest: The Obama Doctrine and Ukraine

By John E. Herbst

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Mar 16, 2016

Slavin in Voice of America: Putin’s Surprise Syria Move Leaves World Wondering What He’ll Do Next

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2016

Is Dissent Brewing in ISIS’ Ranks Over Plans to Strike the United States, Europe?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Top commanders ‘disavow’ shift of strategy away from caliphate-building, says journalist A shift from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham’s goals of building a caliphate to attacking Europe and the United States is reportedly causing a rift in the terrorist group’s upper echelons. A lieutenant to ISIS’ self-proclaimed caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, told Martin […]

Iraq Syria

Experts