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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 15, 2015

Top News: Syrian Army Pushes Offensive in Central Homs

By Syria Source

Syrian army pushes offensive in central Homs Syrian government forces launched an offensive Thursday in the central province of Homs under the cover of Russian air strikes in an attempt to clear the central region of militants and open the highway between Syria’s third and fourth largest cities, a military official and activists said. Hama […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 15, 2015

I got Syria so Wrong

By Frederic C. Hof

I spent early 2011 trying to ease tensions between Syria and its neighbors. I never predicted the brutality that would come from inside. Now and then I am asked if I had predicted, way back in March 2011 when violence in Syria began, that within a few years a quarter-million people would be dead, half […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 15, 2015

Hof: I Got Syria So Wrong

By Frederic Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof writes for POLITICO on the origins of the Syrian conflict, what he got wrong, and what the Obama administration needs to do to change course:

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 14, 2015

The Baathist Colonization of the Syrian

By Khaled Rawas

Syrians stood up against the Assad regime’s tyranny, many sacrificing their lives to bring freedom to their country. However, the near half-century of endemic corruption has left its mark on Syrians and their attitude toward government and private institutions. The corruption that the Assad regime sowed to keep itself in power has permeated Syrian society. […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 14, 2015

Itani on Putin’s Intervention in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Annahar quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to preserve the Syrian regime by neutralizing insurgent threats to the regime’s core territory: Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 14, 2015

Hof on Russia’s Strategy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

NPR quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on Russia’s strategy in Syria and what it means for US objectives:

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 14, 2015

Benitez on Russian Air Strikes

By Jorge Benitez

Foreign Policy quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Senior Fellow and NATOSource Director Jorge Benitez on Russian air strikes in Syria:

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 13, 2015

Pavel on Training of Syrian Rebels

By Barry Pavel

Vice President, Arnold Kanter Chair, and Director of the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security Barry Pavel joins BBC World News to discuss the Obama administration’s announcement that it was suspending its program to train moderate Syrian rebels to fight ISIS in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Oct 13, 2015

Herbst on Russia’s Middle East Power Play

By John Herbst

Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center Director John E. Herbst joins WBUR’s On Point to discuss Russia’s intervention in Syria and the US response:

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 13, 2015

An Iranian’s Advice: Mind Your Own Business

By Frederic C. Hof

President Barack Obama’s take on Syria is that there is the Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, or Daesh) in the east – an entity that must be degraded and destroyed – and the Assad regime in the west – an entity that should be negotiated out of existence. The United States will bomb ISIL from the […]

Iran Syria

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