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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 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

SyriaSource

Oct 13, 2015

ISIS’s Cup is Half Full

By Feras Hanoush

“Ali” is a former Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) fighter. Before joining ISIS, he was a university student known among his friends for his kindness and friendliness. His joining has bewildered his friends, especially since ISIS killed a close relative of his. His uncle said of him, “I was responsible for raising Ali. I know […]

Syria
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Feb. 9, 2015

NATOSource

Oct 12, 2015

The Role of Egypt in Russia’s New Power Play in the Middle East

By Nicholas Varangis

In a GOP debate hosted by CNN, Senator Marco Rubio asserted that Russia is “trying to replace (the United States) as the single most important power broker in the Middle East.”

North Africa Russia

In the News

Oct 12, 2015

Herbst and Hof on Russia’s Intervention in Syria

By John Herbst and Fred Hof

Defense News quotes Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center Director John E. Herbst and Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on Russia’s intervention in Syria and the recently announced intelligence-sharing agreement between Iran, Syria, and Russia:

Iran Russia

In the News

Oct 10, 2015

Hof on Training Syrian Rebels

By Frederic C. Hof

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the change of policy on training Syrian rebel groups:

Syria

Experts