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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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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

Sep 15, 2015

Itani on Russia in Syria

By Faysal Itani

The Huffington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Russia’s military involvement in Syria:

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 14, 2015

Syria: Moscow Makes a Move

By Frederic C. Hof

Although the precise nature of Russia’s recent upgrading of its military presence in Syria remains largely opaque to Western eyes, one thing seems clear: Moscow has doubled-down in its support of Bashar al-Assad and the family-based Assad regime.

Iran Russia

In the News

Sep 14, 2015

Hof on Syrian Refugees

By Frederic C. Hof

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on Syrian refugees leaving for Europe:

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 14, 2015

Syria: The Right Salafis Can Make All the Difference

By Mona Alami

Salafi groups in Western media have triggered a debate over the jihadists’ role in the Syria war. The proliferation of terrorist groups like the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) has left the West wary of the Salafis, a narrative used by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to promote himself as a counterweight to the spread of […]

Syria

In the News

Sep 13, 2015

Itani and Barabandi: In Zabadani, Signs of a New and Worrying Iranian Strategy in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani and former Syrian diplomat Bassam Barabandi write for The World Post on Zabadani’s impact on Iran’s strategy in Syria, mentioning their recently release report on seizing local opportunities in Syria:

Iran Syria

In the News

Sep 12, 2015

Stavridis: Migrants and the Road to Character

By James Stavridis

Adm. James Stavridis, Dean of The Fletcher School and Atlantic Council Board Director, writes for Foreign Policy on the migrant crisis and why the United States must do more to take in Syria’s refugees:

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Sep 11, 2015

Herbst on Russia’s Buildup in Syria

By John E. Herbst

The Washington Post quotes Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center Director John E. Herbst on the significance of Russia’s military buildup in Syria:

Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 11, 2015

Hof on Assad’s Exit: “I Just Don’t See That Happening.”

By Fred Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof joins NPR’s All Things Considered to discuss Washington’s hopes of Russian and Iranian involvement in Syria leading to a favorable outcome:

Iran Russia

In the News

Sep 11, 2015

Slavin Moderates Issues in the News

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin moderates Voice of America’s Issues in the News, discussing Europe’s migrant crisis, Russia’s intervention in Syria, the Iran deal, and the fourteenth anniversary of 9/11:

Europe & Eurasia Iran
NATO's first unmanned air vehicle, June 4, 2015

NATOSource

Sep 11, 2015

NATO Caught ‘Surprised’ By Russia’s Move Into Syria

By Kevin Baron, Defense News

When Russia sent military forces into Syria last weekend, it caught NATO by surprise and proved that its members can neither stay ahead of threats nor even decide which ones are the most pressing, the alliance’s intelligence director said.

Intelligence NATO

Experts