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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

SyriaSource

Jul 11, 2019

The conflict has torn apart Syrian tribes, but they remain an important player

By Khalifa al-Khuder

Despite the lack of focus on the Syrian Arab tribes’ social and political roles, they continue to be an important player between the conflicting parties in Syria, especially the Euphrates region and in northern Syria.

Syria

MENASource

Jul 8, 2019

Syrians in Lebanon: A life of misery, or a return to the unknown

By Tesbih Habbal

Ongoing discrimination and anti-refugee rhetoric in Lebanon are leaving desperate Syrians with two dismal options: to live under harsh conditions in Lebanon or return to Syria with worse conditions and even less stability.

Middle East Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 2, 2019

Innocent victims of a brutal war, Syria’s “lost generation” can still be saved

By Jasmine M. El-Gamal

In an ugly war that has torn apart a country and destabilized an entire region, the ravaged childhoods and uncertain futures of innocent children can still be saved.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 1, 2019

Liquidating American leverage in Northeastern Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

A week before last Christmas, President Trump tweeted his desire to disengage from Syria quickly. Since then the administration—obviously with a presidential green light—has tried to modify that message. But the ultimate intent of the American commander-in-chief on Syria has not yet been articulated.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 18, 2019

Responding to Assad’s violence against Syrian civilians

By Frederic C. Hof

Yet it is not the policy of the United States that violent regime change in Syria be pursued. Political transition in Syria from corruptly violent family rule to a system reflecting inclusive legitimacy and rule of law should proceed through peaceful negotiations in accordance with the applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions. But these negotiations are not possible while the constituency of one negotiating party is subject to terror, murder, and flight.

Syria

Issue Brief

Jun 17, 2019

Russia and Iran in Syria—A random partnership or an enduring alliance?

By Ambassador Michel Duclos

Russia and Iran are allies in Syria not out of mutual sympathy, but for pragmatic reasons. Iranian leaders were instrumental in convincing Vladimir Putin to send his air force to Syria to support Bashar al-Assad in September 2015, and the two countries cooperate within Syria to this day. However, their various differences highlight the limits of what looks like an alliance of convenience.

Iran Russia

SyriaSource

Jun 12, 2019

Underestimating the global impact of the Syrian war

By Frederic C. Hof

More measurable in objective terms is the effect on European politics and unity of a massive flow of migrants—sixty percent Syrian—surging across the continent in 2015.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 11, 2019

New rules of engagement needed as ISIS remains and adapts

By Abdullah Almousa

The Islamic State was crippled this past year in several fierce battles with the international coalition, but is regrouping and the international community needs to recognize this and redevelop its strategy.

Syria

In the News

Jun 10, 2019

Michel Duclos interviewed in France Inter: L’ancien diplomate Michel Duclos est l’invité de Léa Salamé à 7H50. Il publie “La longue nuit syrienne” aux éditions de l’observatoire.

By Michel Duclos

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Syria

In the News

Jun 8, 2019

Michele Duclos quoted in Expresy: “the Syrian conflict has triggered a vicious circle”

By Michel Duclos

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Syria

Experts