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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

MENASource

Apr 14, 2014

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families in Moadamiya, Syria

By Matthew Hall

Philip Gourevitch had the terrible duty to chronicle the spasm of genocidal violence that visited Rwanda twenty years ago. His work captured in intimate detail not only the gruesome action of machetes but also victims’ unheeded appeals for help. In a tragic episode that gave Gourevitch’s book its title, a group of community leaders huddled […]

Syria

In the News

Apr 11, 2014

Slavin on Threat of Collapsed Syrian Health Care System

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Monitor on how more Syrians are dying from preventable diseases than from combat:

Syria

In the News

Apr 11, 2014

Hof on Jordanian Support in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The New York Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on Jordan’s covert support of Syrian opposition forces: 

Syria

MENASource

Apr 10, 2014

Why Assad’s Foothold in the Golan Will Endure

By Daniel Stoker

During the three years of war across the border in Syria, periodic reports have surfaced claiming that the Druze population in the Israeli controlled Golan Heights is inching closer to turning against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

In the News

Apr 8, 2014

Hof on Syria’s Presidential Campaign

By Frederic C. Hof

The Daily Star quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the presidential campaign in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Apr 8, 2014

Hof on the Likelihood of an Election Victory for Assad

By Frederic C. Hof

Bloomberg Businessweek quotes Rafik Hariri Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the likelihood of an election victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad:

Syria

In the News

Apr 8, 2014

Itani on US Role in Syria

By Faysal Itani

The National quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on US engagement in Syria:

Syria

MENASource

Apr 4, 2014

The Importance of Local Knowledge in Syria

By Faysal Itani

A US policy that does not account for the attitudes and aspirations of Syrians—both civilians and fighters—cannot achieve its goals of sustainable political transition and countering religious extremism. Yet policy-makers have paid little attention to these local factors, preferring a top-down approach to the conflict that focuses on geopolitical calculation and diplomacy.

Syria

MENASource

Apr 3, 2014

Syria’s Economic Glory Days are Gone

By Mohsin Khan and Svetlana Milbert

As the Syrian conflict enters its fourth year, the humanitarian costs continue to rise almost exponentially. The reported death toll from the civil war stands at more than 146,000, with more than 6.5 million displaced persons. Children have not been spared in the process.

Syria

In the News

Apr 2, 2014

Hof on Upcoming Syrian Elections

By Frederic C. Hof

Foreign Policy quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the upcoming Syrian elections:

Syria

Experts