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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.

Content

Inflection Points

Oct 27, 2019

Geopolitical earthquake shakes US position

By Frederick Kempe

Though the tremors have long been evident, it’s growing clearer with each day that we’re experiencing a seismic shift that is threatening the political and economic world the United States did so much to create.

Europe & Eurasia Russia

In the News

Oct 24, 2019

Itani quoted in the Petroleum Economist on oil and trouble in the Gulf

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2019

October 23, 1983: Then and now

By Frederic C. Hof

The needless deaths of 241 Americans in October 1983 and the ill-considered expectation of a “cake walk” in Iraq nearly twenty years later would combine, in the minds of many Americans, to create the belief that the United States can do nothing right in the Middle East; that it is a place of “sand and death” best left to its inhabitants and their neighbors.

Iran Middle East

SyriaSource

Oct 23, 2019

What the Turkish-Russian deal in Syria means for Vladimir Putin

By Frederic C. Hof

The Kremlin stands to reap significant rewards from its agreement with Turkey on Syria.

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

In the News

Oct 22, 2019

Katz quoted in MEED on Russia’s role in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Russia Security & Defense

In the News

Oct 21, 2019

Cohen in Newsweek: The Strategic Vacuum Trump Created in Syria Will Grow To Haunt American Interests for a Generation

By Atlantic Council

Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 21, 2019

Bipartisanship on Syria: Episode or enduring?

By Frederic C. Hof

Donald Trump has, quite unintentionally, made bipartisanship on Syria possible. He alone will determine whether this is a brief, passing episode or an enduring reality. He alone will determine whether bipartisanship will facilitate a sensible policy in Syria.

Syria

In the News

Oct 21, 2019

Warrick joins Euronews to discuss US evacuation from base in Northern Syria

By Atlantic Council

Syria

Inflection Points

Oct 20, 2019

The dangers of neglecting allies

By Frederick Kempe

President Trump’s maximum pressure and Iran’s escalating responses have increased the risks of conflict. They have also brought a new chance of resolution that may become the most significant test yet of President Trump’s ability to transform his disruptive foreign policy into positive outcomes.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

In the News

Oct 19, 2019

Hof mentioned in Bard News on his possibility of a bipartisan solution to the Syrian crisis

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

Experts