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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

Aug 5, 2015

Stein on Whether Turkey is Targeting ISIS or Kurds

By Aaron Stein

Ahram Online quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Aaron Stein on whether Kurdish separatists or ISIS is Turkey’s actual target in recent Syrian assaults:

Syria Turkey

In the News

Aug 4, 2015

al-Kattan in Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Assad Letting Go of Syrian Unity

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Aug 3, 2015

al-Kattan in The Washington Post: Why Haven’t Syrian Banks Collapsed Under Sanctions and War?

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Aug 3, 2015

al-Kattan in The Washington Post: Why Haven’t Syrian Banks Collapsed Under Sanctions and War?

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Aug 3, 2015

Hof on US Efforts to Aid Syrian Rebels

By Fred Hof

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the United States launching armed flights over Syria as part of its anti-ISIS efforts:

Syria Turkey

In the News

Aug 2, 2015

Hof on Why Iran Won’t Give up Syria

By Frederic Hof

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof in an article about why Iran won’t give up on its efforts to support the Assad regime in Syria:

Iran Syria

In the News

Aug 1, 2015

Ricciardone on Kurdish Role in US-Turkey Military Deal

By Francis J. Ricciardone

Vice President and Rafik Hariri Center Director Francis J. Ricciardone joins NPR’s Weekend Edition to discuss how Kurdish militias appear to be sidelined by a new US-Turkey military deal to combat ISIS:

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Jul 31, 2015

Syria: Hard Times in ISIL-Free Land

By Frederic C. Hof

The temptation to heap scorn on the US-led “train-and-equip” program seeking to create an anti-Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) Syrian ground force by recruiting Syria rebels will no doubt increase due to the kidnapping (by the Nusra Front) of the commander of the unit into which new trainees have been funneled.

Iran Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2015

Hof on Managing Expectations After Iran Deal

By Frederic C. Hof

The New York Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on why it is naive to think that a nuclear deal with Iran will help resolve other conflicts in the Middle East:

Iran Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2015

Ricciardone and Hof on Syria Safe Zone

By Francis Ricciardone and Frederic C. Hof

Vice President and Rafik Hariri Center Director Francis Ricciardone and Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof join Voice of America’s International Edition to discuss the developing safe zone in Syria and Turkey’s involvement in the fight against ISIS:

Syria Turkey

Experts