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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.

Content

President Barack Obama

NATOSource

Aug 30, 2013

US Seeks Allies as UK Shuns Syria Action in Shock Vote

By Lorna Shaddick, FRANCE 24

The United States is still seeking an “international coalition” in response to Syria’s alleged use of chemical weapons, despite a vote against military action by British MPs, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said on Friday.

France Syria
German Chancellor Angela Merkel

NATOSource

Aug 30, 2013

Germany: No Plans to Join Syria Military Action

By AP and Charles Hawley, Spiegel

From AP:  The German government said Friday that it isn’t considering joining military action against Syria and hasn’t been asked by others to do so.

Germany Syria
President of France Francois Hollande

NATOSource

Aug 30, 2013

Despite UK Vote, France Backs Action in Syria

By David Gauthier-Villars, Wall Street Journal

France sent a clear signal on Friday that it was preparing strikes against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, with President François Hollande saying the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons against its own people cannot go unpunished.

France International Organizations

MENASource

Aug 30, 2013

Syrian Refugees are Unwanted Guests in Lebanon

By Rachel Webb

In the latest, horrifying turn of events in Syria’s protracted civil war, videos surfaced showing the aftermath of an alleged chemical attack in Damascus. With a US military strike on Syria seemingly imminent, all eyes are on the escalation of tensions between Western and regional powers. Yet the result of such violence is playing out […]

Syria

MENASource

Aug 30, 2013

Syria: President Obama’s PBS Interview

By Fred C. Hof

President Barack Obama sat for a PBS interview on the evening of August 28, 2013 and spoke at some length about how he is processing the situation in Syria in the wake of the previous week’s massive regime chemical attack on Syrian civilians.

Syria
British Prime Minister David Cameron

NATOSource

Aug 30, 2013

UK Prime Minister David Cameron Loses Parliamentary Vote on Syrian Military Strike

By Anthony Faiola, Washington Post

Invoking the specter of the Iraq war, British lawmakers on Thursday rejected military action in Syria, dealing a stunning blow to Prime Minister David Cameron and effectively ruling Washington’s staunchest military ally out of any U.S.-led strike.

Syria United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Aug 30, 2013

United States Willing to Go It Alone

By Alex Ward

US President Barack Obama is considering unilateral action against the Syrian regime, despite US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel saying during his trip in Southeast Asia that the United States’ goal is “to find an international coalition that will act together.” The United Kingdom declined to join in a proposed limited strike operation against Syria […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Aug 30, 2013

US and UK Poised to Make Final Decisions on Action in Syria

By Alex Ward

The United Kingdom will wait on the United Nation’s report on chemical weapons use by the Assad regime before it Prime Minister David Cameron goes along with strikes on Syria. The UN inspectors will likely put out their report Saturday, and the UK’s parliament will vote on strike authorization next week. In the United States, […]

Syria
UK Foreign Minister William Hague

NATOSource

Aug 29, 2013

UK Foreign Minister: ‘We Cannot Allow the Use of Chemical Weapons’

By William Hague, Telegraph

We all live under the protection of this global system of arms control, just as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has spared us from the threat of nuclear holocaust, which blighted my parents’ generation.

Syria United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Aug 29, 2013

Pavel and Itani Discuss Response Options for Syria

From Obama’s “red line” to confirmation of the use of chemical weapons, events in Syria are developing quickly. Atlantic Council experts are appearing in the media daily and posting analysis as events unfold.

Syria

Experts