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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

Dec 23, 2022

2022: A year in the Middle East

By Nour Alhajjeh and Madeline Hart 

2022 was a year full of unprecedented protests, groundbreaking state visits, historical elections, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

Uncategorized

Dec 12, 2022

Sullivan quoted in VOA on Syrian fuel shortages

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Idlbi joins Channel 9 to discuss Syria and Turkey

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Middle East

MENASource

Dec 1, 2022

Rebel infighting foreshadows the next phase of the Syrian conflict

By Malik al-Abdeh and Lars Hauch

The resultant clashes would probably have been largely ignored as just another chapter in the endless saga of rebel factionalism. However, when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham directly intervened, the issue attracted considerable attention beyond the microcosm of Syria’s armed opposition landscape.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

TURKEYSource

Dec 1, 2022

The risks and rewards of Erdogan’s next military operation

By Rich Outzen

The November 13 bombing in Istanbul, blamed on the PKK, is spurring a planned Turkish offensive against PKK affiliates in Northern Syria, fulfilling a long term goal to better secure the country's southern border.

Conflict Iraq

In the News

Nov 18, 2022

Rich Outzen quoted in Al Jazeera on potential Turkish military operation in Syria

Conflict Security & Defense

MENASource

Nov 14, 2022

How a former al-Qaeda affiliate became an existential threat and a wake-up call for the Syrian opposition

By Ömer Özkizilcik

The entry and forced withdrawal of Afrin city by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) shook local dynamics and may ultimately serve as a wake-up call for the Syrian opposition.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Ukrainians people living in Krakow and their supporters are seen during the Solidarity With Ukraine protest in Krakow's Main Square, on the 232nd day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

New Atlanticist

Nov 11, 2022

Russian War Report: Ukrainians celebrate in Kherson as Russia evacuates the city

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As Russian forces retreat from Kherson, Ukrainians celebrate online and in-person. While the overall status of the withdrawal remains in flux, today’s footage shows Russia is no longer in control of the central parts of Kherson. 

Conflict Disinformation

MENASource

Sep 8, 2022

In Syria, cutting and running is not on the cards for Turkey

By Malik al-Abdeh and Lars Hauch

If diplomacy fails, the military option is always on the table, as President Recep Tayyip reiterated in a speech on August 25.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Airpower after Ukraine

Aug 30, 2022

The Ukraine war and its impact on Russian development of autonomous weapons

By Samuel Bendett

Moscow's plans to employ autonomous systems on the battlefield may be set back by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

Experts