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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

Jul 2, 2015

Ankara Moves to Counter the PYD

By Aaron Stein

On June 25, a number of Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) fighters penetrated deep into the Kurdish-controlled city of Kobani to detonate two vehicle-born improvised explosive devices.

Syria Turkey

MENASource

Jul 1, 2015

Arab-Kurdish Gains in Syria Provide an Opportunity to Defeat ISIS

By Wladimir Van Wilgenburg

An operation launched by a joint coalition of Kurdish and Arab rebels in May 2015 culminated in the capture of roughly 4,000 square kilometers from Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) militants, including the important Tal Abyad crossing on June 15, depriving ISIS of one of the logistics and supply routes from Raqqa from Turkey.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jun 29, 2015

al-Kattan in Aljazeera: The Dilemma of the Syrian Opposition: Military Gains Without a Political Horizon

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 29, 2015

Hof on Obama’s ISIS policy

By Frederic C. Hof

Business Insider quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on how the Obama administration’s reluctance to intervene too much in Syria is ultimately helping ISIS strengthen its hold on parts of the country:

Iran Syria

MENASource

Jun 29, 2015

Are Syria’s Kurds America’s New Best Friend?

By Michael Stephens and Aaron Stein

The recent capture of the Syrian border town of Tal Abyad held by the fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), by Syrian Kurdish forces (known as the YPG) is a major development in the course of the war in Syria. The result is that Kurdish forces are now poised to […]

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jun 28, 2015

Stein: The YPG: America’s New Best Friend?

By Aaron Stein

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Aaron Stein cowrites for Al Jazeera on why despite the fact that the Kurds are good allies on paper, alienating Syria’s central regions may cause more trouble for the United States:

Syria

In the News

Jun 26, 2015

Itani on Lebanon’s Political Fragility

By Faysal Itani

Global Risk Insights quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the coalition holding Lebanon together as the war in Syria drags on: 

Middle East Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 24, 2015

Syria: Civilians Pay the Price

By Frederic C. Hof

Washington’s strategy to degrade and destroy the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) in Syria entails a significant contribution from Syrian civilians: their lives.

Syria

In the News

Jun 24, 2015

Itani on #SummerinSyria

By Faysal Itani

BuzzFeed News compiles tweets on Syria’s #SummerinSyria campaign, including one from Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani:

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 23, 2015

Seizing the Opportunity for a Druze Realignment

By Faysal Itani and Abigail Kukura

Recent rebel victories in southern Syria highlight the role of the Druze in the Syrian conflict. As the war’s frontlines shift towards the minority’s core territories, the Druze will come under pressure to redefine their stance toward the rebellion.

Syria

Experts