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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.

Content

In the News

Jan 25, 2016

Hof Quoted By Business Insider On US Policy Toward ISIS In Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jan 25, 2016

Burrows Joins KCRW to Discuss the Future of US Diplomacy in Syria

By Mathew J. Burrows

Listen to the full story here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 22, 2016

Civilian Protection in Syria: Portal to Political Progress

By Frederic C. Hof

A consistent theme hammered home in these pages for years has been that the protection of civilians in Syria is the sole portal through which progress toward peace and political transition can be achieved. The Kremlin has and continues to regard this issue with contempt—under its current management, it sees widespread civilian terror, death, and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 22, 2016

Top News: January 22, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian Kurds say must be represented at Geneva talks – EU official says Syria losses may force ISIS leaders to move to Libya– Syria court sentences Assad cousin to 20 years for murder– Aid airdrops to Syria’s besieged are called too dangerous – Iraq to start Mosul offensive against ISIS in first half of 2016 – Turkey […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 21, 2016

Will Geneva Happen? Should it?

By Frederic C. Hof

Two years ago delegations representing the Syrian opposition and government met in Geneva, purportedly to negotiate peace. The master of ceremonies at the time, UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, had a bad feeling going in about the prospects for success—reservations that events would fully justify. He had been asked to convene the meeting in spite […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 21, 2016

Top News: January 21, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Kerry says there will be no ‘fundamental delay’ in Syria talks – France says air strikes against ISIS will accelerate– United States, France condemn Russia’s role in Syria– Turkey plans operation in Syria as part of international movement to dismantle ISIS– Hundreds of army trainers needed for Mosul recapture

Syria

In the News

Jan 21, 2016

Hof Quoted By The New York Times On Syrian Peace Talks

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 20, 2016

Inside ISIS’s Siege on Deir Ezzor

By Ghaith al-Ahmad

Deir Ezzor residents find themselves caught between the Islamic State (ISIS) and Syrian regime. ISIS currently controls areas that the armed resistance controlled through mid-2014, the entire suburbs of Deir Ezzor, and large parts of the city neighborhoods. The remaining residents live under the regime, which has tight control over the neighborhoods of al-Joora, al-Qusoor, […]

Syria

UkraineAlert

Jan 20, 2016

Russia Intervention in Syria Has Its Limits

By Sam Skove

While Russia’s intervention in Syria appears to have helped Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime claw its way back from the brink of defeat, the Kremlin’s gambit is in many ways a limited one. Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanks to technical and political constraints, cannot significantly ramp up his forces in the region. This means that […]

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 20, 2016

Top News: January 20, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS frees 270 civilians captured in eastern Syria– Kerry and Lavrov try to settle differences over Syria talks– Syria’s opposition says cannot attend talks if third party joins– Russian shows military might, air strikes in Syria kill 3,000 people since September – According to Amnesty report, Kurds waging campaign to uproot Arabs in north Iraq– […]

Syria

Experts