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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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SyriaSource

Feb 21, 2018

The Slaughter of Eastern Ghouta

By Frederic C. Hof

Just five days ago, in this blog, this writer assessed the possibility of Russia playing a positive role in ending Syria’s armed conflict. The following words proposed the test: “If the mass murder of Syrian civilians continues—and especially if Russian pilots participate in it—Washington and its partners may safely conclude with respect to Russian benign […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Feb 21, 2018

Assad’s Forces Are Killing Dozens of Children in a Damascus Suburb

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s forces have unleashed an unrelenting bombardment of the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta that has killed hundreds—many of the victims are women and children—over the past few days. The United Nations (UN) has warned that the situation is “spiraling out of control.” The Assad regime has reportedly not even […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 21, 2018

Deir Ezzor: An Unbalanced Equation in the Syrian Conflict

By Sardar Mlla Drwish

Deir Ezzor today is a complex variable in the Syrian equation, particularly since the opposition wrested control of the province from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2013 followed by Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh) control in 2014. Deir Ezzor now contends with several forces trying to control it: Russia works to manage its […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 20, 2018

Syrian Refugees: The Right to Return, But Not the Wrong Way

By Hanan Elbadawi

Since September 2017, the agreed upon “de-escalation deal”  seemed to mark the final chapter of the Syrian civil war; entering into its eighth year. The goal of the Astana talks in 2017 was to sustain the de-escalation deal, in order to minimize violence, secure more aid, and consequently make it “safe” for Syrian refugees to […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 18, 2018

Alfoneh in The Arab Weekly: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Long War in Syria

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Feb 17, 2018

Duclos in Asharq Al-Awsat: The Case for a «Dayton Type» Conference on Syria

By Michael Duclos

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Feb 17, 2018

Itani Quoted in USA Today on Syria Civil War

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 16, 2018

Is Russia Seeking a Peaceful Path?

By Frederic C. Hof

Between Moscow and Washington there is agreement on the desirability of a Syria reflecting territorial integrity, stability, empowered local governance, legitimate national governance, an active civil society, and a country rebuilding its physical infrastructure and its sense of shared citizenship. Even Iran might pose no objection to such an outcome, provided Syria remains a superhighway […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 15, 2018

Simakovsky Quoted in CNBC on US Airstrike in Syria

By Mark Simakovsky

Read the full article here

Russia Syria

MENASource

Feb 14, 2018

Russia: Is Syria’s fate Libya’s future?

By Erin A. Neale

On February 17th, Libyans will celebrate the anniversary of a revolt that ultimately toppled and killed Muammar Qaddafi, ending his forty-two-year oppressive rule. This anniversary and others in the region are regrettable reminders of how the expectations in the immediate aftermath of the Arab Spring compare to the reality on the ground seven years later. […]

Libya Russia

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