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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.

Content

In the News

May 28, 2015

Itani on Hezbollah in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Al Arabiya quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Hezbollah’s intervention in Syria and its strategy moving forward:

Syria

In the News

May 22, 2015

Slavin on US Strategy against ISIS on Issues in the News

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss ISIS gains in Iraq and Syria, US strategy to combat ISIS, the declassified files found in bin Laden’s compound, and US politics:

Iraq
Syria

In the News

May 21, 2015

Itani on the Expansion of ISIS in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Middle East Eye quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the expansion of ISIS in Syrian and the Syrian residents now under ISIS control:

Syria

In the News

May 21, 2015

Itani on ISIS in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins BBC Newshour to discuss ISIS advances in Syria:

Syria

SyriaSource

May 21, 2015

Syria, You’re On Your Own

By Frederic C. Hof

In his May 19 briefing, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest leveled, in his own peculiar way, with the people of Syria: “… the President feels very strongly that the very significant problems that are faced by people in Syria, for example, are not problems that the United States is going to come in and […]

Iran
Syria

In the News

May 21, 2015

Itani on the ISIS Takeover of Palmyra

By Faysal Itani

The Associated Press quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Palmyra’s strategic location and what advantages ISIS will gain from its takeover:

Syria

SyriaSource

May 19, 2015

Syria: What if the Regime Collapses?

By Frederic C. Hof

As noted in the May 18 MENASource article on civilian protection, an administration operationally inert in the face of Bashar al-Assad’s atrocities sees peril if Assad collapses too soon, which is to say nearly four years after President Barack Obama counseled him to step aside.

Syria

SyriaSource

May 18, 2015

Syria: The Imperative of Protecting Civilians

By Frederic C. Hof

That which is painfully clear amid the complexity of Syria’s horrific conflict is the operational absence of the Obama administration in protecting Syrian civilians.

Syria
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, May 13, 2015

NATOSource

May 15, 2015

Turkish Leaders Make Bold Statements at NATO Meeting

By Jorge Benitez

NATO foreign ministers concluded their meeting in Antalya, Turkey on May 14. This gathering was the first time since Berlin in 2011 that NATO foreign ministers met in a city other than Brussels.

NATO
Security & Defense

MENASource

May 13, 2015

Turkey’s Role in a Shifting Syria

By Aaron Stein

In recent weeks, a Turkish backed umbrella group dubbed Jaysh al-Fateh has taken control of Idlib, prompting speculation that the group’s recent advance could mark a turning point in the war.

Syria
Turkey

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