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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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Content

SyriaSource

Jun 22, 2017

The Battle for Deraa and Iran’s Plans in the South

By Ahmad Abazeid

On February 12, 2017, the opposition operations center known as al-Bunyan al-Marsous announced the beginning of the battle for the regime-controlled district of Manshiya, dubbed al-Mawt wa-la al-Madhalla. The operation hoped to push the regime away from the border crossing with Jordan following a series of regime attempts to advance in that direction. The Manshiya […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 22, 2017

Are Kurdish-led Forces Trying to Reconcile with Former ISIS Members in Syria?

By Haid Haid

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US backed multi ethic alliance led by Kurdish forces to fight the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh), issued a statement on May 15th ensuring the protection of ISIS militants in Raqqa, the de-facto capital of ISIS in Syria, as well as their families if they surrender before the end […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 22, 2017

Assad’s Syrian State Strategy and the Disappointments of De-escalation and Decentralization

By Anthony Elghossain

De-escalation and decentralization may soon disappoint those who see such programs as possible solutions for Syria. To be sure, Syrians will welcome any reprieve from violence. And American and European officials may acquiesce to political proposals that they have long since lost the leverage to shape. Even so, neither de-escalation nor decentralization will work unless […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 22, 2017

Stein Quoted in ARA News on American Support of Kurds in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 22, 2017

Itani Quoted in the American Conservative on How America Armed Terrorists in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 22, 2017

Herbst Joins KCRW to Discuss the Complex Factions Fighting in Syria

By John Herbst

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 21, 2017

Missing a Syria Strategy?

By Frederic C. Hof

The Trump administration stands accused by some commentators of having entered into an escalating military situation in eastern Syria without the benefit of an objectives-based strategy. The truth or falsity of the accusation can best be judged by President Trump, National Security Advisor McMaster, Secretary of Defense Mattis, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 21, 2017

Alami in Al-Monitor: The Geopolitics Behind Race for Eastern Syria

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 21, 2017

Itani in the Atlantic: The U.S. Enters a New Phase in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 20, 2017

Stein Quoted by Al-Monitor on the Role of the Kurdish Militants in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

Experts