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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

Oct 31, 2015

Hof on Syria Policy

By Frederic Hof

The Fayo Observer quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the change in the Obama administration’s military policy and action in Syria to combat ISIS:

Syria

In the News

Oct 31, 2015

Hof on the Situation in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The Guardian quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the effect of sending US special operations forces to Syria:

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 30, 2015

Civil Society is a Force that Threatens the Enemies of Democracy—Bashar al-Assad and Islamic Factions

By Nouriddin Abdo

Despite their best efforts, pro-democracy groups in Idlib and Aleppo, provinces with a strong opposition presence, have failed in their repeated attempts to create a strong, civil administrative system in the vacuum left by the Assad regime. The challenges these pro-democracy groups face vary significantly between the two provinces. Nonetheless, the greatest threat to a […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 30, 2015

A ‘Band-Aid’ for Syria

By Ashish Kumar Sen

US decision to deploy Special Operations Forces will not change situation significantly, says Atlantic Council’s Frederic C. Hof The Obama administration’s decision to deploy less than fifty US Special Operations Forces to Syria is a significant shift in US strategy, but one that is unlikely to tilt the balance on the ground in a war […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Itani on the Syrian Peace Talks in Vienna

By Faysal Itani

McClatchy DC quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on why no Syrians have been invited to the peace talks in Vienna:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Itani on US Special Forces in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Agence France-Presse quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on President Obama’s announcement that he will be sending US Special Operations forces and additional planes and fighter jets to Syria, and whether it will be enough to make significant gains against ISIS:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Hof on the US Deployment of Special Operations Forces to Syria

By Frederic Hof

McClatchy DC quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on President Obama’s motives to send a small group of US Special Operations forces to assist with on-the-ground operations in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Hof on Fighting ISIS in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the role of US special forces in Syria to assist combating ISIS and their benefits:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Hof on Special Forces in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

US News and World Report quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on US special forces in Syria to fight against ISIS:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Itani on US Forces in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Al Sharq Alawsat quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the US decision to send special operations forces to Syria:

Syria

Experts