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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

In the News

Dec 4, 2015

Slavin on Paris Climate Conference and Syria

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to moderate a discussion on the climate conference in Paris, ISIS and Syria, and the Iran nuclear report: 

France Iran

MENASource

Dec 4, 2015

The Costs of Turkey’s Foreign Policy in Syria

By M. Hande Akmehmet

Turkey hosted the G20 Summit in Antalya in mid-November against the backdrop of a sliding currency against the dollar and increasing unemployment. As world leaders struggle with the fallout of Syria’s civil war on the political and security fronts, Turkey’s proximity to the conflict and foreign policy have resulted in a direct and indirect economic […]

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 4, 2015

Top News: December 4, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Germany approves anti-ISIS military action in Syria; French president to visit aircraft carrier off Syria – US reportedly preparing airbase in northeastern Syria– Syria opposition to meet next week in Riyadh– Pressure mounting on Dutch to join Syria air strikes– ‘Nothing new’ from Russia-Turkey talks on downed fighter jet– Nearly 3,000 migrants detained in four […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 4, 2015

Itani on Syrian Rebel Forces

By Faysal Itani

McClatchy DC quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the Obama administration’s decision-making process in deciding which Syrian rebel militias are acceptable partners:

Syria

Issue Brief

Dec 3, 2015

ISIS war game III: The final phase

By Bilal Y. Saab

September 2015 marked the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama’s speech outlining the administration’s strategy to “degrade and ultimately destroy” the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Yet, ISIS celebrated in June its own first-year anniversary of setting up a state by conducting three nearly simultaneous terrorist operations in three different countries—France, Tunisia, and […]

Iraq Middle East

SyriaSource

Dec 3, 2015

Top News: December 3, 2015

By SyriaSource

– UK begins Syria air strikes after parliament vote– Kerry calls for Syrian, Arab ground troops against ISIS– Russia-Syria prepare for Idlib battle; FSA coalition launches new offensive in the south– Syrian opposition figures accept Saudi invite to attend Riyadh conference– Russia, Turkey trade accusations over who bought oil from ISIS– Germany considering sending aircraft […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 2, 2015

Boots on the Ground: Slowly, Slowly

By Frederic C. Hof

President Obama long ago articulated very clearly his anti-Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, or Da’esh) objective: degrade and destroy it. When it became clear that the November 13 attacks in Paris had been planned in ISIL’s Syria headquarters, it was reasonable to assume that the operational emphasis would shift from degrade to destroy, that the United […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 2, 2015

Top News: December 2, 2015

By SyriaSource

– US sending new special ops force to Iraq to fight ISIS; Abadi says foreign troops not needed– Kerry says NATO members ready to step up anti-ISIS fight– Cameron urges UK parliament to back bombing of ISIS in Syria– Russia says it has proof of Turkey’s involvement in ISIS oil trade– Germany says every EU […]

Syria

MENASource

Dec 2, 2015

The Rise of ISIS in Lebanon

By Mona Alami

The Dahieh bomb blast on November 12 was the first to target Beirut’s southern suburbs since June 2014, when a suicide car bomb killed a General Security officer. In the period between July 2013 and February 2014, jihadist extremists targeted Hezbollah-dominated areas in nine separate attacks.

Middle East Syria
NATO Foreign Ministers, Dec. 1, 2015

NATOSource

Dec 1, 2015

NATO Taking Steps to Strengthen Defense of Turkey

By NATO Foreign Ministers

The situation along NATO’s south-eastern border remains highly unstable. We reiterate that the security of the Alliance is indivisible and that Allies stand in strong solidarity with Turkey, which is facing multiple challenges from the south including terrorist threats.

NATO Russia

Experts