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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

In the News

Aug 1, 2014

Itani on Syria’s Oil Sector

By Faysal Itani

Anadolu Agency quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on how EU sanctions and damage from the ongoing civil war has brought Syria’s oil sector to near ruin: 

Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2014

Hof on Syrian Army Defector’s Photographs

By Frederic C. Hof

Al-Monitor quotes testimony from Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on atrocities committed by the Syrian regime:

Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2014

Hof on Syrian Torture Pictures

By Frederic C. Hof

Defense News quotes testimony from Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on atrocities committed by the Syrian regime:

Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2014

Hof on Syrian Regime Atrocities

By Frederic C. Hof

The Daily Beast quotes testimony from Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on atrocities committed by the Syrian regime:

Syria

MENASource

Jul 31, 2014

Poverty and Conflict in the Middle East

By Matthew Timmerman

From its outset, the self-immolation of a crestfallen Tunisian vegetable vendor, the Arab Spring was largely about poverty. Mohamed Bouazizi’s final words before igniting himself and the region were, “How do you expect me to make a living?”

Iraq Middle East
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Jan. 18. 2012

NATOSource

Jul 28, 2014

Special Summit Series: Turkey and NATO

By Ross Wilson

Turkey’s new head of state will participate in the NATO Wales Summit just a few weeks after the country’s first-ever popular vote for president.

Economy & Business Iraq

In the News

Jul 25, 2014

Hof on War Crimes Committed by the Syrian Regime

By Frederic C. Hof

The Wall Street Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the photographs of the corpses of Syrian activists and opposition fighters taken by a Syrian military-police photographer who defected to the West:

Syria

In the News

Jul 24, 2014

Itani on Increase in Violence in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Syria Deeply quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the recent uptick in violence in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Jul 24, 2014

Itani: In Congress, an Opportunity Emerges on Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani writes for the Hill on why President Obama’s proposal to fund and arm Syria’s moderate opposition is an opportunity for Congress to develop a meaningful and effective strategy in Syria:

Syria

MENASource

Jul 23, 2014

Inside Assad’s Playbook: Time and Terror

By Bassam Barabandi and Tyler Jess Thompson

Early in my career as a Syrian diplomat, I learned to respect the strategic planning of the Assads. One clear memory is from 2007, during a visit from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki. I remember sitting behind a two-way mirror in a room adjacent to the banquet hall at the Four Seasons Damascus.

Syria

Experts