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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

Nov 12, 2015

Hof on Protecting Civilians in Syria

By Frederic Hof

Business Insider quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on why protecting Syrians from Assad should be the first step of the US strategy to defeat both Assad and ISIS:

Syria

In the News

Nov 12, 2015

Hof on Syria Talks in Vienna

By Frederic Hof

Bloomberg Business quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the talks in Vienna as the international community convenes to discuss Assad’s control of Syria:

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 10, 2015

Between Regime Brutality and Society’s Cruelty

By Khaled Rawas

“I will not forgive him, nor will I let God’s mercy descend onto him,” uttered a woman activist working to support rape victims at a secret humanitarian organization in Damascus. The activist leveled this charge not against the regime and its Shabiha militias—which use this most cruel weapon of war systematically to intimidate, suppress, and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 10, 2015

Top News: November 10, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Next round of Syria talks in Vienna on Saturday– Clashes near Syrian base besieged by ISIS– Militants shell Syrian city of Latakia– ICRC works to avoid massive water crisis in Aleppo– Turkey detains eighteen al-Qaeda suspects, days before G20– Turkey’s Erdogan calls for new constitution, reform in next four years– Attacks kill at least […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 9, 2015

A Problem from Hell: Dealing with the Crisis in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Remarks of Ambassador Frederic C. Hof to the American Committees on Foreign Relations in Boise, Idaho, on November 9, 2015.

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 9, 2015

The Army of Conquest Advances in the Shadow of Russian Warplanes

By Saleem al-Omar

In late March 2015, armed groups opposing to the Assad regime gathered to plan for the liberation of the Idlib in northern Syria. The groups included the Al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham al-Islamiyya, Sham Legion, Jund al-Aqsa, and the Sunna Army, most of whom are considered jihadist forces. They formed Jaysh al-Fatah (Army of […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 9, 2015

Top News: November 9, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Pentagon chief says more US troops possible in Syria; US to launch refugee screening centers– Iran plans to attend next round of Syria talks, demands identifying terrorist groups– ISIS frees thirty-seven kidnapped Syrian Christians – France hits ISIS oil facility in Deir Ezzor; Russian air strikes kill eleven civilians in Idlib– Syrian children in Turkey […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2015

Russia Bombing Syrians Displaced by War, Says Syrian Activist

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Russian warplanes have bombed not just moderate rebel groups, but also critical civilian infrastructure and people fleeing the war in Syria, a prominent Syrian civil society activist said at the Atlantic Council on Nov. 6. “Russia claims that they are fighting against [the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham] … but ISIS is 100 kilometers […]

Syria

In the News

Nov 6, 2015

Stein on Turkish Concern over US Support for Kurds

By Aaron Stein

The World Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Aaron Stein on US-Turkish cooperation in Syria given the increasingly supportive stance of the United States toward Syrian Kurds:

Syria Turkey

Event Recap

Nov 6, 2015

Fighting ISIS and al-Qaeda through Syrian Civil Society

By Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

On November 6, 2015 the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted renowned media activist and civil society leader Mr. Raed Fares. Mr. Fares founded the Union of Revolutionary Bureaus, which provides services to over one million Syrians including running water and an FM radio station. He is well-known for the witty […]

Syria

Experts