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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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MENASource

Jun 17, 2015

Fading Christianity in Syria and Iraq

By Knox Thames

The quagmires of Syria and Iraq have forced millions to flee, both internally displaced people and new refugees escaping across borders. The international community is failing to meet their needs, with UN agencies announcing cuts in food programs due to a lack of funds.

Iraq Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 16, 2015

The Limits of ISIS Expansion

By Faysal Itani

Shortly after losing Tikrit to Iraqi security forces and militia, the Islamic State seized Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Anbar province, and captured the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria just a few days later.

Iraq Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 12, 2015

An Opportunity Emerges in Syria

By Faysal Itani

June 9 brought some rare good news from Syria, for both the Syrian insurgency and the country’s future writ large. On June 9, an insurgent offensive led by the rebel Southern Front’s 1st Army, a coalition of nationalist units, overran a major regime position in the southern province of Deraa.

Syria

MENASource

Jun 12, 2015

ISIL, Iraq, and Syria: The Strategy Challenge

By Frederic C. Hof

Once again, President Barack Obama is taking grief for having committed truth on the subject of strategy: this time acknowledging the incompleteness thereof in the context of training the Iraqi national army.

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jun 12, 2015

Why Iran’s Plan B in Syria Will Not Work

By Hanin Ghaddar

Earlier this month, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (ICRG) Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani made a surprise visit to Syria near the frontlines outside Latakia, where he vowed that upcoming developments in Syria will soon “surprise” the world.

Iran Syria

In the News

Jun 11, 2015

Hof on the Nusra Front

By Frederic C. Hof

The Wall Street Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the Nusra Front, an al Qaeda affiliate, as a potential ally in the fight against ISIS:

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 11, 2015

How the United States Can Help Save Palmyra

By Matthew Hall

If the United States and its partners are serious about defeating the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) they must deny the terror group a major source of its funding: proceeds from the illegal antiquities trade.

Syria

In the News

Jun 9, 2015

Ricciardone on Obama’s Comment About Turkey

By Francis Ricciardone

Daily Sabah Elections quotes Hariri Center Director Francis Ricciardone on President Obama’s comments regarding Turkey’s role in the fight against ISIS:

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jun 9, 2015

Itani on US Strategy in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Middle East Eye quotes Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the flaws in the current US strategy to defeat ISIS in Syria:

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 9, 2015

The Syrian Crisis and the Challenge Presented By ISIL

By Frederic C. Hof

Frederic C. Hof, Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center, delivered an address on June 8 to an audience at the NATO Defense College in Rome.

Syria

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