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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

SyriaSource

Jan 8, 2016

Top News: January 8, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Aid to reach Syrian town of Madaya by Monday– ISIS militant ‘executes own mother’ in Raqqa– UN envoy in Syria ahead of upcoming peace talks in Geneva– Idlib rebels execute ISIS-linked assassination cell– Top US commander shares Ankara’s concerns over PKK-affiliate PYD– Special forces target ISIS in Hawija, Iraq

Syria

In the News

Jan 7, 2016

Saab on Syria Peace Process amid Iran-Saudi Arabia Tensions

By Bilal Y. Saab

Aljazeera America quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab on how tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are complicating the Syria peace process:

Iran Saudi Arabia

SyriaSource

Jan 7, 2016

Syrian Christian Perspectives on the War

By Flavius Mihaies

Syrian Christians face the difficult question of how to preserve their communities. The Islamic State (ISIS) and other Islamist groups target Christians for a variety of reasons, including to gain credibility as the implementers of “true” Islam and for economic reasons, forcing Christians to pay higher taxes (Jizya), seizing their property, and even capturing Christians […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 7, 2016

Top News: January 7, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Russian activists say have evidence of Russian cluster bombs in Syria– ‘Dire situation’ in besieged villages in Syria– Syrian army, rebel fire kills 26 around Damascus– Russia reportedly deploying advisors near Palmyra– President Obama says Turkey must withdraw ‘unauthorized’ forces in Iraq– Iraqi Shia militias in mass anti-Saudi protest

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 6, 2016

Top News: January 6, 2016

By SyriaSource

United States sees Assad staying in Syria until March 2017String of attacks kill 20 Syria rebel commandersOPCW reports Syria’s entire chemical arsenal destroyedISIS has lost 30 percent of its territoryFears of more strife for Iraq amid Saudi-Iranian row

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 5, 2016

Top News: January 5, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Russia says ISIS use of chemical weapons likely– United States expects Syria meetings despite Saudi-Iran tensions– Syrian opposition to demand confidence-building moves before talks– Istanbul police raid 16 suspected ISIS locations– Turkey to report to ECHR on curfew southeastern towns– Iraqi fighters killed while thwarting ISIS assault in Anbar

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jan 4, 2016

The Saudi/Iran Break: Politics of Fear in the Gulf

By Richard LeBaron

Saudi Arabia’s decision to break diplomatic ties with Iran represents another chapter in the politics of fear that have dominated Saudi military and diplomatic moves since the ascension of King Salman just shy of a year ago. The fear finds its main source in the Saudi conviction that Iran is intent on displacing it as […]

International Organizations Iran

SyriaSource

Jan 4, 2016

Top News: January 4, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Arab-Kurd fighters kill 16 ISIS militants near Raqqa– French military says air strikes destroy ISIS missile factory; French jets strike ISIS oil sites– Attack on Iraqi military base kills at least 12; ISIS attacks Ramadi as security forces extend control– Turkey, Israel need each other, Erdogan says

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 4, 2016

Safe Zones and Assurances

By Frederic C. Hof

Three very impressive thinkers—James Dobbins, Philip Gordon, and Jeffrey Martini—recently produced for RAND an essay entitled “A Peace Plan for Syria.” They propose that near-term diplomatic efforts focus not on nationwide governance issues, but on achieving a ceasefire that would ultimately produce three “safe zones”—one for the Assad regime, one for the Kurds, and one […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 31, 2015

Alami: Can FSA Get Back on its Feet after Russian Intervention?

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Al Monitor on how the Free Syrian Army is coping with its combat efforts after increased military intervention from Russian forces:

Russia Syria

Experts