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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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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

Nov 13, 2015

Aslund on Russia’s Intervention in Syria and Ukraine

By Anders Aslund

Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center Resident Senior Fellow Anders Aslund joins Voice of America’s Encounter to discuss the implications of Russia’s intervention in Syria and Ukraine:

Russia Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Hof on US Policy against ISIS in Syria

By Frederic Hof

The Atlantic quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the horrors of the Syrian conflict and why ISIS is an easier target in Syria than Iraq: 

Iraq Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Alami: Are Syria’s Salafi Movements Witnessing a Split?

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Al-Monitor on the creation and implications of Jaish al-Sham:

Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Itani on Obama’s ISIS Shift

By Faysal Itani

The Daily Beast quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on how President Obama’s tone and rhetoric toward ISIS has shifted over the past year:  

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 13, 2015

Top News: November 13, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Assad wins strategic victories ahead of Vienna talks– United States to cripple ISIS-controlled oil fields in Syria– US air strike targets ‘Jihadi John’ in Syria– ISIS claims deadly twin Beirut explosions– Two soldiers killed in PKK mine attack in Turkey’s southeast– Kurdish forces seize Iraq’s Sinjar town from ISIS

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 13, 2015

Vienna II: Who’s a Terrorist?

By Frederic C. Hof

On Saturday November 14, the participants of the October 30 Vienna conference on Syria will reconvene in the same place. This despite the fact that Assad regime attacks on civilians have relented not in the least. Indeed, military aircraft of the Russian Federation have supplemented the civilian-centric bombing campaign of Moscow’s client, reportedly adding cluster […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 13, 2015

Vienna II: From Hope to Reality

By Dan DePetris

In a November 11 interview with The Washington Post, British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond explained the psychology that underwrites the negotiations to end the Syrian civil war. “You get people together,” Hammond said, “you force them to make some forward movement, keeping them at it, keeping their noses to the grindstone, keep them in a […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 13, 2015

Kerry on Strategy

By Frederic C. Hof

Speaking for the better part of an hour at the US Institute of Peace on November 12, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry sought to bring his listeners “up to speed” on the Obama administration strategy to defeat and dismantle the Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, or Da’esh), end Syria’s civil war, and support “friends in […]

Syria

In the News

Nov 12, 2015

Alami on the Structure and Organization of ISIS in Syria

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Asharq Al-Awsat on the situation for and structure of ISIS in Syria, demonstrating that the organization is facing increased pressure despite its gains: Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 12, 2015

Top News: November 12, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Opposition oppose Russia’s draft proposal; Iran says resolution should not focus solely on Assad– At least 100 fighters killed in Syria during storming of besieged airbase– UN launches app to help feed Syrian refugee children– Turkey’s Erdogan puts Syria, Iraq on G20 leaders’ agenda– Seven children among fourteen dead in migrant boat sinking off […]

Syria

Experts