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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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Content

SyriaSource

Jan 11, 2016

The Toll of Russian Air Strikes on Kafr Nboudha

By Natasha Hall

Since their start at the end of September 2015, Russian air strikes have displaced over a quarter million Syrians. According to Amnesty International, civilian harm attributable to Russia is on the rise. “We ran for our lives. We didn’t get to take anything with us. No blankets, nothing,” said Fatima, who fled Kafr Nboudha in […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 11, 2016

Top News: January 11, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Aid heads for starving Syrian town Madaya– Toll in Russia raids on Nusra Front-run Syria jail rises to 81– Nusra Front briefly abducts prominent media activists– Syria regime advances on rebels’ main Latakia stronghold – Iraq forces evacuate hundreds of civilians from Ramadi– Turkey plans to issue work permits for Syrians

Syria

In the News

Jan 11, 2016

Hellyer: Why ISIS Cannot Be Negotiated With

By H.A. Hellyer

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow H.A. Hellyer writes for Defense One on how ISIS contrasts with historical terrorist organizations:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jan 10, 2016

Hof on Obama’s 2016 Foreign Policy Strategy

By Frederic Hof

Reuters quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on why President Barack Obama is taking less risks in the face of mounting foreign crises:

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2016

Has Turkey Become a Distraction in the War on ISIS?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Turkey is a helpful coalition partner, but Ankara-Baghdad rift puts Iraqi Prime Minister in a tough spot, says Aaron Stein Turkey’s entry into the US-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) last summer was marked by Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish militias—a departure from the coalition’s mission. In November, Turkey shot down […]

Iraq Syria

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

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