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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

Aug 8, 2014

Airstrikes in Iraq, But Why Not Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

On August 7, President Barack Obama authorized both airstrikes and humanitarian relief in response to attacks launched by the ersatz caliphate of the criminal enterprise calling itself the Islamic State (IS).

Syria

MENASource

Aug 7, 2014

Building a Syrian National Stabilization Force

By Frederic C. Hof

The Obama administration’s request for $500 million in fiscal year 2015 money to arm and equip elements of the Syrian opposition has generated confusion and skepticism.

Syria

MENASource

Aug 6, 2014

Syria: “Caesar” and the Way Forward

By Frederic C. Hof

The July 31 testimony of “Caesar,” the former Syrian military police photographer who spirited out of Syria part of the Assad regime’s photographic archive of detainees it has tortured and starved to death, stunned members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Syria

In the News

Aug 5, 2014

Itani on Effects of Syria Civil War on Lebanon

By Faysal Itani

Mashable quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the effects of the war in Syria on Lebanon: 

Syria
Secretary General Anderss Fog Rasmussen, Nov. 6, 2013

NATOSource

Aug 1, 2014

Five Long-Term Challenges for NATO Beyond the Ukraine Crisis

By Karl-Heinz Kamp, NATO Defense College

NATO needs to find consensus on at least five questions which go far beyond the current crisis in Ukraine.

Afghanistan Libya

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

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