Recent analysis

Explore our Syria work


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.


Group of world leaders sitting around table set up.

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.

Featured experts

Past events

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.

Content

In the News

May 12, 2014

Hof: The Administration Does Not Have A Clear Way Forward [In Syria]

By Frederic C. Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof was quoted by Bloomberg on how President Obama’s foreign policy strategy in Syria is challenged by Assad’s military gains:

Syria

In the News

May 10, 2014

Slavin on Violence in Ukraine, Rebel Evacuation of Homs

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss Syria, Ukraine, Nigeria, and climate change:

Nigeria Syria

In the News

May 8, 2014

Slavin on Jarba’s Washington Visit

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Voice of America on Syrian Opposition Coalition President Ahmad Jarba’s first visit to Washington:

Syria

In the News

May 8, 2014

Hof on Syrian Opposition Coalition President’s Visit to Washing

By Frederic C. Hof

Voice of America quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on Syrian Opposition Coalition President Ahmad Jarba’s recent visit to Washington:

Syria

Event Recap

May 8, 2014

President Jarba Visits the Council

By The Atlantic Council

On May 8, 2014, the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted President Ahmad Jarba of the Syrian National Coalition and his delegation for a private, off-the-record discussion.

Syria

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2014

Jarba, Syrian Opposition Council Pushes for US Support

By Barbara Slavin

On his first visit to Washington this week, Ahmad Jarba, president of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), has faced a daunting challenge: convincing the Obama administration that his organization deserves more support, including lethal weaponry, to counteract the brutal tactics of a regime that appears to be winning Syria’s three-year-old civil war.

Syria

In the News

May 7, 2014

Ullman: America Strikes Out (Again!)

By Harlan Ullman

Brent Scowcroft Center Senior Adviser Harlan Ullman writes for UPI on what solutions exist for the United States to handle issues ranging from the economy to Ukraine and the war in Syria:

Syria Ukraine

MENASource

May 5, 2014

Syria: No Cogent Alternatives

By Frederic C. Hof

In its May 4, 2014 editorial “President Obama and the World,” The New York Times employed a customary administration talking point in an otherwise balanced and even critical review of the president’s foreign policy stewardship, including his handling of the Syria crisis: “His critics are inconsistent in their philosophies [i.e. some want airstrikes, some want more weapons […]

Syria

In the News

May 5, 2014

Itani: New Diplomatic Status is a “Blow” to Assad

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani is quoted by McClatchy on US efforts to rebrand the Syrian opposition:

Syria

In the News

May 1, 2014

Slavin on Ambassador Crocker’s Warning

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al-Monitor on an address given by former US Ambassador Ryan Crocker at the Council on Foreign Relations:

Syria

Experts