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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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SyriaSource

Nov 30, 2015

Top News: November 30, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Negotiations seek Syria rebel exit from Homs city– Clashes erupt between Syria Islamists, Kurds– Assad says his enemies boosting support for terrorists– Germany considers sending up to 1,200 troops on Syria mission– Russia-Turkey relations under greater strain as sanctions against Turkey announced– EU, Turkey seek better relations at emergency refugee summit– Iraqi military tells […]

Syria
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu & Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Nov. 30. 2015

NATOSource

Nov 30, 2015

Prime Minister of Turkey and NATO Secretary General: Russia has Violated Turkish Airspace More Than Once

By Jens Stoltenberg and Ahmet Davutoğlu, NATO

Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, November 30, 2015.

NATO Russia

New Atlanticist

Nov 30, 2015

How to Prevent a Turkish-Russian Clash

By Ariel Cohen

The downing of a Russian warplane by Turkey could derail the grand coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) that French President François Hollande is trying to put together by visiting Washington and Moscow, and getting Beijing on board. The escalation of tensions between Russia and Turkey — historic rivals around the […]

Russia Syria

In the News

Nov 30, 2015

Hof on Commando Raids

By Frederic C. Hof

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the best strategies to fight ISIS:

Syria
Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Oct. 21, 2015

NATOSource

Nov 25, 2015

How Will Downing of Russian Plane Impact Campaign Against ISIS?

By Josh Seigel, Daily Signal

President Barack Obama on Tuesday used the downing of a Russian warplane as evidence to support the view of the international community that the Kremlin get with the program in the fight against the Islamic State.

France NATO

SyriaSource

Nov 25, 2015

Top News: November 25, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Putin sends air defense missiles to Syria to deter Turkey; Erdogan and Obama seek to ease tensions– Russian raids in Syrian province of Latakia continue after jet downed by Turkey– France, US vow unity against ISIS; Russia says ready to join others in anti-ISIS coalition– Syrian army source says rebels make heavy use of […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Nov 24, 2015

Turkey Shot Down a Russian Jet. Here’s Why it Matters.

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The downing of a Russian SU-24 fighter jet by Turkey after it violated Turkish airspace and ignored ten warnings exemplifies the danger of Russian military support for Syria’s embattled President Bashar al-Assad. But it will also complicate French President François Hollande’s quest to include Moscow in a unified coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq […]

Iraq NATO

MENASource

Nov 24, 2015

US Indecision over War Powers to Fight ISIS

By Daniel R. DePetris

In yet another attempt to reinforce his administration’s counter-Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) strategy, President Barack Obama has determined that the United States needs a small contingent of US ground personnel to enable the offensive capability of moderate Syrian opposition forces in northern Syria.

Syria
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Nov. 24, 2015

NATOSource

Nov 24, 2015

Secretary General: NATO Stands With Turkey, but Diplomacy and De-Escalation also Important

By Jens Stoltenberg, NATO

The North Atlantic Council has just held a meeting, an extraordinary meeting. And we have been updated by the Turkish Ambassador on the recent events. I have also spoken to Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

NATO Russia

SyriaSource

Nov 24, 2015

Paris, Sinai, and the State of the ‘Caliphate’

By Faysal Itani

The terrorist attacks that killed scores in Paris and brought down a passenger plane over the Sinai demonstrate a new ISIS tactic and a surprising degree of capability. The operations have been described as an ISIS reaction to the setbacks it is incurring under international and local military pressure in Syria and Iraq. However, there […]

Syria

Experts