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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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Content

MENASource

Dec 8, 2014

Is Assad a Stabilizing Factor?

By Frederic C. Hof

As discussion intensifies over the possibility of the United States and Turkey establishing a protected zone in northern Syria, apologists for the Assad regime deploy the usual array of arguments: beware the slippery slope to invasion and occupation; do nothing until the Syrian opposition overcomes its dysfunction and presents an attractive alternative to the regime; […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 4, 2014

Hof on De Mistura’s Freeze Proposal

By Frederic C. Hof

Philadelphia Inquirer quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the freeze proposal plan outlined by special United Nations representative on the Syria crisis Steffan de Mistura: 

Syria

In the News

Dec 4, 2014

Itani on Turkey’s Stance on ISIS

By Faysal Itani

Middle East Monitor quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on strained US-Turkish relations regarding the ongoing crisis in Syria:

Syria Turkey

Article

Dec 4, 2014

Obama needs to act on Syria

By Nicholas Burns

OF ALL the international crises facing President Obama in his final two years in office, how to cope with a burning Iraq and disintegrating Syria may be the most daunting. Syria, especially, is facing the most serious humanitarian crisis in the world today.

Iraq Syria

In the News

Dec 3, 2014

Itani on Arrest of ISIS Leader’s Wife

By Faysal Itani

The Daily Star quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the implications of the arrest of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s wife:

Syria

NATOSource

Dec 3, 2014

Infographic: Details of the Coalition Fighting ISIL

By Jorge Benitez and Gabriel Maletta

Which nations are conducting air strikes in Syria, but not Iraq? Are allies conducting an equal number of the air strikes against ISIL? Which Pacific power is participating in military operations in Iraq? The following chart answers these and many more questions about the international coalition fighting ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

Iraq NATO

In the News

Dec 3, 2014

Hof on New Buffer Zone Proposal in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Syria Deeply quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the buffer zone proposal in Syria and the US containment strategy regarding the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Syria

In the News

Nov 29, 2014

Hof on Chuck Hagel’s ISIS Policy

By Frederic C. Hof

The Economist quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the dismissal of Chuck Hagel from his post as Secretary of Defense:

Syria

In the News

Nov 28, 2014

Itani on Rebel Gains in Syria

By Faysal Itani

The Associated Press quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on recent opposition gains in Syria: 

Syria

MENASource

Nov 26, 2014

Targeting Assad: The Corrosive Split that Sidelined Hagel

By Peter Kirechu

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel resigned the morning of November 24, his exit tied to irreconcilable disagreement with White House leadership on a variety of foreign policy issues of which the administration’s gloved response to Syria’s Assad certainly featured.

Syria

Experts