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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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In the News

Aug 27, 2014

Itani on ISIS: “Their Ambition Has Made Them More Visible”

By Faysal Itani

Foreign Policy quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the repercussions of the United States becoming involved militarily in Syria:

Syria

MENASource

Aug 26, 2014

ISIS in Syria: Avoiding Assad’s Ambush

By Frederic C. Hof

President Barack Obama’s decision to authorize aerial surveillance of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) positions in Syria suggests that airstrikes employing manned and unmanned aircraft may not be far behind.

Syria

In the News

Aug 26, 2014

Hof on US Cooperation with Assad

By Frederic C. Hof

Christian Science Monitor quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on whether the United States will cooperate with the Assad regime to combat the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Syria

In the News

Aug 26, 2014

Mardini on Risks of Intervening in Syria

By Ramzy Mardini

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the US decision against coordinating airstrikes in Syria with the Assad regime, and scenarios for US intervention:

Syria

In the News

Aug 26, 2014

Itani on US Action in Syria

By Faysal Itani

The Telegraph quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on US surveillance flights over Syria:

Syria

In the News

Aug 26, 2014

Hof on US Intervention in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

CNN quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the likelihood of US airstrikes in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Aug 26, 2014

Hof: Assad is Laying a Deadly Ambush for Obama in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof writes for the New Republic on how US intervention in Syria will affect President Assad’s calculus: 

Syria

In the News

Aug 25, 2014

Hof on Fighting ISIS

By Frederic C. Hof

CNN quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the key questions that remain in thinking about the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Aug 25, 2014

LeBaron on Qatari Foreign Policy

By Richard LeBaron

The National quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Richard LeBaron on Qatar’s role in securing the release of American journalist Peter Theo Curtis from Syria:

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 22, 2014

Can Assad Help With ISIS?

By Frederic C. Hof

With Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel telling a Pentagon press conference that “all options are on the table” regarding air strikes in Syria on the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), and with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Martin Dempsey saying that ISIS cannot be defeated militarily without addressing its presence in Syria, […]

Syria

Experts