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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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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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Content

In the News

Jan 23, 2018

Haid Quoted in Deutsche Welle on Syrian Conflict

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Jan 23, 2018

Stein in Foreign Affairs: Turkey’s Afrin Offensive and America’s Future in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jan 22, 2018

Hof Quoted in Reuters on U.S. Aid Chief’s Visit to Raqqa

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here

Syria United States and Canada

SyriaSource

Jan 22, 2018

The Afrin Incursion: Will Turkey and the US Come to Blows?

By Frederic C. Hof

The decision of Turkey to mount air and ground operations in the Afrin district of northwestern Syria entails dangers that transcend even the potentially dire consequences for civilians of yet another Syrian combat zone swallowing lives and property. Despite the flamboyant anti-Turkish threats of its Syrian client, Russia has gingerly stepped aside in this corner […]

Syria

Rebuilding Syria

Jan 22, 2018

Considering a US Protectorate in Syria

By Faysal Itani

On January 18, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson offered some long-awaited clarity on US policy in post-ISIS Syria. As recently as a few weeks ago some observers (including this author) did not believe the United States would stay in Syria at all after defeating the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh). Secretary Tillerson presented an […]

Syria

In the News

Jan 21, 2018

Itani Joins News Deeply to Discuss Syria’s Politics and Economy in 2018

By Faysal Itani

Listen to the full discussion here

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 19, 2018

The Conditions and Implications for the Afrin Attack

By Emily Burchfield

The first substantial evidence of a US plan for stabilization in post-ISIS Syria was revealed this week—and it didn’t go well. On Sunday, spokesmen from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the US-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) announced intentions to build a “border security” force of around 30,000 troops; made […]

Syria

In the News

Jan 19, 2018

Stein in War on the Rocks: Turkey’s Bluster on Afrin: More Than Meets the Eye

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Jan 19, 2018

Raqqa: As Terrorism Fades, A Return to Everyday Life Awaits Local Consensus

By Sardar Mlla Drwish

In a country that has seen war, destruction, and widespread war crimes committed by the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh), the city of Raqqa is witnessing relative calm and a new rebirth with the slow return of its people. Local and foreign institutions intervened to focus on reconstruction and dispatching task forces to remove land […]

Syria

In the News

Jan 18, 2018

Stein Quoted in Yahoo on Turkey Facing Diplomatic Minefield Over New Syria Operation

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here

Syria Turkey

Experts