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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

Oct 23, 2015

Kissinger and Haass on Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Two of the top foreign policy minds gracing the American scene—Henry Kissinger and Richard Haass—have weighed-in thoughtfully on Russia’s military intervention in Syria: what it means, where it may go, what (if anything) useful might be made of it.  One need not agree with all of their respective observations and prescriptions to appreciate fully the […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 23, 2015

Ashooh on Kerry-Lavrov Talks

By Jessica Ashooh

Middle East Strategy Task Force Deputy Director Jessica Ashooh joins Voice of America to discuss what to expect from the talks between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding Syria:

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 23, 2015

Top News: Russia, US, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia seek solution to Syrian war in Vienna

By Syria Source

US Secretary of State John Kerry opened talks in Vienna on Friday with his Russian, Saudi, and Turkish counterparts aimed at reviving a moribund effort to end Syria’s civil war. Kerry began a day-long series of meetings in the Austrian capital by consulting with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, and Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 23, 2015

Alami on the Attack on Aleppo

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Al-Monitor on the battle for Aleppo and its implications for the Syrian government and military:

Syria

In the News

Oct 23, 2015

Itani on Russia and Iran’s Backing of Assad

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins Voice of America’s Encounter to discuss the implications of increased Iranian and Russian backing of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad:

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 23, 2015

FSA Forces Defy the Russians as Aircrafts Shell Civilians in Northern Syria

By Saleem al-Omar

Aircrafts hover over the Syrian opposition-controlled territories in northern Syria, easily visible to the naked eye. Witnesses to the missile strikes shout “God is great,” expressing their feelings of shock, fear, and anxiety.

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 22, 2015

Without Committed Air Support, Kurdish Forces cannot go on the Offensive against ISIS

By Mecid Mohamed

Despite repeated attempts to take the towns of al-Shaddadi and al-Hool, located fifty kilometers south and forty kilometers east of Hasaka, respectively, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have been unable to advance towards either of these strategically important locations. Notwithstanding sustained air support from the international coalition to combat missions in and around Hasaka, […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 22, 2015

Top News: Syrian Kurdish leaders hold talks in Moscow

By Syria Source

Leaders from Syria’s Kurdish community on Wednesday held talks in Moscow with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov over the conflict in Syria. Bogdanov hosted the co-chair of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) Asya Abdullah and the head of the administration in the town of Kobani Anwar Muslim, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a […]

Syria

MENASource

Oct 22, 2015

MENASource Podcast: Russia’s Intervention in Syria

By Aaron Stein and Faysal Itani

For the past three and a half weeks, the Russian Air Force and a handful of military advisers have been striking rebel held positions in Syria. The bulk of the airstrikes are concentrated along the M5 highway near the cities of Homs and Hama.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 21, 2015

Assad the Prop

By Frederic C. Hof

Russian President Vladimir Putin is orchestrating the performance of his life, using Syria as the stage on which he proclaims Moscow’s reemergence as the third Rome and drives a spike into what he describes as Washington’s democratization and regime change jihad.  Having declared war on the Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, or Daesh) in Syria, he […]

Syria

Experts