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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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In the News

Feb 25, 2014

Itani on New Syria Point Person in Saudi Arabia

By Faysal Itani

The National quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the replacement of Saudi Arabia’s chief Syria advisor:

Saudi Arabia Syria

MENASource

Feb 24, 2014

Syria: Resolution 2139 (2014)

By Frederic C. Hof

On February 22, 2014 the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2139, calling on all Syrian parties to cease attacks against civilians, lift sieges on populated areas, allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance, cease depriving civilians of food and medicine, enable the evacuation of civilians desiring to be evacuated, respect the principle of medical […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 24, 2014

Itani on Rebel-Led Media Offensive Over Yabroud

By Faysal Itani

Syria Direct quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the media offensive undertaken by the Syrian opposition as the battle for the rebel-held town of Yabroud continues:

Syria

MENASource

Feb 21, 2014

Syria: Surefire Alternatives To Failure?

By Frederic C. Hof

In a recent (February 19, 2014) editorial, The New York Times channeled Obama administration thinking on Syria’s war and peace dichotomy. “But, so far, no one has come up with surefire remedies or even new ideas that would not draw the United States into a war … Mr. Obama has resisted being pushed into a […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 21, 2014

Itani on Secretary Kerry’s Diplomatic Efforts in the Middle East

By Faysal Itani

The Washington Examiner quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Secretary John Kerry’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East:

Syria

In the News

Feb 21, 2014

Itani on US policy in Syria: “Kerry is Trapped”

By Faysal Itani

The Washington Examiner quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Secretary John Kerry’s foreign policy strategy:

Syria Ukraine

Uncategorized

Feb 20, 2014

Slavin on Aleppo Survey

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes on the recent survey of Aleppo residents for Al Monitor:

Iran Syria

MENASource

Feb 20, 2014

Syria: There Is No Arm’s-Length Solution

By Frederic C. Hof

Geneva II was an attempt to fill that which nature abhors: a vacuum. Yet the vast emptiness of US policy toward Syria swallowed the effort itself, making it seem tiny, silly, and futile. President Bashar al-Assad’s regime calculated that it could treat the initiative with contempt. Although the opposition delegation in Geneva acted with competence […]

Syria

MENASource

Feb 20, 2014

A Holding Action in Lebanon

By Faysal Itani

After ten months of stalling and infighting, Lebanon’s political factions have formed a cabinet. This does not indicate a broader political compromise, a willingness to tackle intractable and divisive issues, or a plan to address the country’s serious socio-economic problems. Rather, the cabinet’s significance lies in its makeup and the interesting compromises that led to […]

Middle East Syria

MENASource

Feb 18, 2014

Syria: Back To Basics

By Frederic C. Hof

In his 2014 Munich Security Conference remarks, Henry Kissinger commented that democracies must, in foreign policy, articulate clear objectives within parameters that the public can support. In the specific case of Syria, said Kissinger, the objective has to be about more than the removal of a person. Ideally the Obama administration used the pause offered […]

Syria

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