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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 6, 2015

Top News: November 6, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Syrian rebels recapture village from regime forces in western Syria; Russia, Turkey discuss Syria– Mustard gas used in Syria in August– Russian air strikes kill forty-two in Raqqa– Turkish police detain twenty ISIS suspects; Crackdown on Gulen continues

Syria

MENASource

Nov 6, 2015

Is there Common Ground over Syria?

By MENASource

The Emirates Policy Center’s second Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate that took place on November 1 brought policymakers, former officials, academics, and analysts from the Middle East and elsewhere together to discuss the most pressing strategic issues facing the region.

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 5, 2015

Keeping Vienna on Track

By Frederic C. Hof

If the Vienna Joint Communique of October 30, 2015 is to spur progress toward peace and political transition in Syria, the United States and its partners must first devise and agree upon a comprehensive collective strategy. With all respect to the dogged creativity of Secretary of State John Kerry, the administration’s eagerness for a deal […]

Syria

In the News

Nov 5, 2015

Hof: A Syria-First Strategy for Defeating ISIS

By Frederic Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof writes for The Atlantic on why protecting civilians from Assad is the first step toward a negotiated political transition  in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Nov 5, 2015

Hof on US Support for Syria’s Rebels

By Frederic C. Hof

The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the Obama administration’s plan to send US special operations forces to aid Syrian rebels:

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 5, 2015

Top News: November 5, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Russia sent missile systems to Syria, personnel force grows to 4,000 – Pentagon welcomes advance by ISIS-fighting allies in Syria– Rebels seize military base in western Hama– Water crisis leaves Damascus residents thirsty– Kurdish rebels end unilateral ceasefire declaration– Turkey agrees access to Cyprus army zone graves in search for missing– Former Iraqi Environment Minister […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 4, 2015

ISIS’s Malice for the People of Deir Ezzor

By Fikram

If one wishes to live safely in Deir Ezzor, he must swear allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS). ISIS grants those who pledge their loyalty lucrative pensions and salaries, the best living accommodations, and favorable treatment, allowing said individuals to do what they want and come and go as they please—even after ISIS sealed the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 4, 2015

Top News: November 4, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Syrian government troops retake Aleppo supply route from ISIS– Russia calls for consensus on opposition group designations in Syria– Russian air strikes killed twenty-three civilians, say Syrian activists– Turkey detains nine ISIS suspects planning suicide attacks– Turkey’s President Erdogan says new constitution should be priority– Iraqi leaders attend funeral of invasion backer Chalabi

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 3, 2015

Flash Point: Syrian Regime Says ‘Transitional Period’ Is Only in the Minds of Those Who Do Not Live in Reality

By SyriaSource

According to a Reuters report, Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has rejected the concept of a Syrian political transition underlying the June 2012 Geneva Final Communique and the more recent Vienna Joint Communique issued only days ago. Mekdad told Syrian state television during a visit to Tehran, “We are talking about a national dialogue […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 3, 2015

Top News: November 3, 2015

By SyriaSource

– UN panel head prepares for Syria gas attacks probe– UN envoy urges Syria ceasefires– Iran says may quit Syria talks over spat with Saudi; Russia trying for talks in Moscow– Turkey detains fifty-seven linked to Gulen– Turkish jets strike Kurdish targets in northern Iraq– Iraq parliament bars Abadi government from passing reforms unilaterally

Syria

Experts