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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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Learn more about the Middle East Programs

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

Jul 7, 2014

Ambassadors Rapp About Syria

With more than 162,000 killed in Syria’s ongoing and brutal conflict, the war has exacted a human cost that now surpasses the atrocities in former Yugoslavia & Sierra Leone. Stephen J. Rapp, Ambassador-at-Large of the US State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice, spoke with Ambassador Fred Hof, senior fellow with the Rafik Hariri Center for the […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jul 3, 2014

Storify: #ACSyria with Ambassador-at-Large of the State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice Stephen J. Rapp

By Justine Jablonska

War crimes and crimes against humanity – committed both by regime forces and particular extremist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham – continue in Syria.  Stephen J. Rapp, ambassador-at-large of the Office of Global Criminal Justice, spoke at the Atlantic Council on July 2 about the State Department’s ongoing efforts to promote […]

Syria

Event Recap

Jul 2, 2014

Accountability for Syria’s War Criminals is a Must Says Ambassador Rapp

By The Atlantic Council

More than 162,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011. The Assad regime and some opposition fighters have committed serious human rights abuses, including torture, mass killing, and rape. On Wednesday, July 2, 2014, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted Stephen J. Rapp, ambassador-at-large […]

Syria

Webcasts

Jul 2, 2014

War Crimes in Syria

Please join us on July 2, 2014 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm for a discussion with The Hon. Stephen J. Rapp, Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, Office of Global Criminal Justice, US Department of State moderated by Frederic C. Hof, Senior Fellow, Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, Atlantic Council.

Syria

MENASource

Jul 2, 2014

Syria: Creating Favorable Facts

By Frederic C. Hof

The story of Syria’s crisis to date can be summarized in large measure by the discipline and determination of Iran and Russia. They have focused rigidly on sustaining Bashar al-Assad in power.

Syria
Minnesota National Guardmembers and Croatian soldiers training, May 25, 2010

NATOSource

Jun 30, 2014

It’s Time for NATO to Get Involved in Syria and Iraq

By James Stavridis, Foreign Policy

As ISIS consolidates its position across the Syrian and Iraqi divide, NATO must realize that it is only a matter of time before a wave of EU-passport-bearing jihadists will be headed back home to wreak havoc.

Cybersecurity Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jun 30, 2014

Itani on Effects of ISIS on Lebanon

By Faysal Itani

Al Jazeera America quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the attitude of Sunnis in Lebanon:

Middle East Syria

In the News

Jun 29, 2014

Hof on US Foreign Policy in Iraq and Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The National Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on US Strategy toward Syria and Iraq:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 28, 2014

Saab on US Aid to Syria

By Bilal Y. Saab

The Associated Press quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab on President Obama’s decision to provide $500 million in support to moderates within the Syrian opposition: 

Syria

In the News

Jun 28, 2014

Slavin on Iranian and Syrian Involvement in Iraq

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss the ongoing situation in Iraq:

Iran Iraq

Experts