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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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SyriaSource

Jan 29, 2016

Top News: January 29, 2016

By SyriaSource

Syrian opposition not in Geneva on the day of peace talksStarvation spreads before Syria peace talksIran coerces Afghans to fight in Syria, according to HRWSyrian Kurds plan attack to seal Turkish border

Syria

MENASource

Jan 29, 2016

A US War Resolution Against ISIS, Revisited

By Daniel R. DePetris

On December 6, 2015 President Barack Obama spoke to millions of Americans in a nationally televised address on the progress that has been made in the war against the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) in both Iraq and Syria.

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jan 28, 2016

Hof Quoted by Financial Times on US Perspective of Syria Peace Talks

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jan 28, 2016

Itani Quoted by Bloomberg on Assad’s Post-War Role

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 28, 2016

Geneva: Is That All There Is?

By Frederic C. Hof

Without doubt the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian opposition will authorize and direct its delegation to go to Geneva to engage in indirect “proximity talks” under the supervision of UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. Whatever burdens have been borne by this opposition for the better part of five years, it simply cannot risk […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 28, 2016

Top News: January 28, 2016

By SyriaSource

Russia proposes international meeting on February 11Opposition says Syrian peace talks unlikely to begin FridayUN says number of Syria’s besieged communities rises to 18PYD-YPG has no future in Syria, says Turkey’s top national security body

Syria

In the News

Jan 28, 2016

BuzzFeed Features Senator Bob Casey’s Letter to Secretary of State John Kerry Which Quotes Hof on Civilian Protection

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 27, 2016

Top News: January 27, 2016

By SyriaSource

–Syria peace talks hinge on envoy’s answers–Kurdish PYD not invited to peace talks in Geneva–Syrian government troops recapture key southern town–Turkey’s human rights environment deteriorated in 2015, says HRW

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 26, 2016

Top News: January 26, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Deadly blasts kill 20 in Syrian city ahead of peace talks– Syria opposition meets in Riyadh, casts doubt on talks– Russian air strikes have transformed situation in Syria– Kurds accuse Syria pro-regime militia of bombings– Russia, Turkey dispute over PYD inclusion at peace talks– Search for US workers kidnapped in Baghdad focuses on Sadr […]

Syria

MENASource

Jan 26, 2016

The YPG-PKK connection

By Aaron Stein and Michelle Foley

In mid-July 2012, the Syrian government withdrew its forces from a large amount of territory along the Turkish border. This move allowed the Democratic Union Party (PYD), a Kurdish nationalist group linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—a US- and Turkish-designated terrorist group—to take administrative and military control over the self-declared cantons of Efrin, Kobani […]

Syria Turkey

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