Syria

Seeking a New Balance for U.S. Policy in the Middle East

The Biden administration signaled an effort to shift overall U.S. policy by prioritizing diplomacy and making some modest shifts on the military front, but key human security challenges loom on the horizon.

Northern Syria Security Dynamics and the Refugee Crisis

Ensuring stability in northern Syria will require international engagement that balances humanitarian concerns with the moral hazard created by Turkey’s occupation.

The First 100 Days: Toward a More Sustainable and Values-Based National Security Approach

An actionable plan for the next administration’s progressive national security agenda.

Interactive: The First 100 Days

This interactive database features nearly 250 recommendations that the next administration can advance, adopt, and implement within the first 100 days to set the country on a path toward a more progressive national security approach.

Trump’s Syria Shambles

President Trump’s withdrawal from Syria has thrown the region into chaos, shattered American credibility, and uncovered deep problems with U.S. policy toward Turkey.

The State of the Turkish-Kurdish Conflict

The benefits of rapprochement between the Turkish government and Kurdish militants are clear, but hopes for an easing of tensions rest on shaky political ground.

Rosamund Pike, Matthew Heineman, and Speaking Truth to Power Through Film

Actor Rosamund Pike and director Matthew Heineman sit down with Daniella and Ed to discuss their new film, "A Private War," which tells the story of Mary Colvin, a war journalist who died in 2012 while covering the war in Syria.

‘Last Men in Aleppo’

A Reel Progress screening and discussion

Reckless Endangerment: President Trump and the Use of Military Force

President Trump’s impulsive decision-making and reliance on the military as his primary foreign policy tool jeopardizes America’s national security.

Trump’s First 100 Days in the Middle East

While President Trump has so far largely held off on his most reckless policy ideas, his first 100 days show both surprising continuity and troubling shifts that could undercut U.S. interests.

Trump Needs to Understand and Respect These 6 Basic Rules of Counterterrorism

President Trump is ignoring cardinal rules of effective counterterrorism to the detriment of American security and the benefit of the nation’s enemies.

Trump’s Muslim Ban Underscores the Need for National Resistance

The Trump administration’s Muslim ban is a troubling glimpse into the disastrous policies and poor management that the nation is likely to face over the next four years.

Trump’s Reckless Muslim Ban Makes Americans Less Safe

No Americans have ever been killed in a terrorist attack in the United States by a national from the banned countries.

Defending an American Tradition, Communities Welcome Syrian Refugees

Communities in the United States are successfully resettling and integrating thousands of Syrian refugees, even as President Trump plans to ban refugee admissions from Syria.

U.S. and Russia Relations Under Trump and Putin

The United States will need to engage Russia, and the incoming Trump administration must determine if it will challenge Russia where necessary.

Syrian Immigrants in the United States

Syrian immigrants are thriving members of American society and represent a strong receiving community for new refugees.

Leveraging U.S. Power in the Middle East

The next U.S. administration should advance a long-term affirmative agenda that deepens engagement with long-standing partners, builds a new framework for regional cooperation, and utilizes America’s unique leverage and assets to advance U.S. interests and values.

The Crisis in Turkish-Russian Relations

Turkey’s downing of a Russian jet ended an unusual period of Turkish-Russian détente and limited Ankara’s options in Syria.

Learning from the Past and Accepting Refugees

The United States has faced decisions on whether to shelter refugees throughout its history and faces a similar question today. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past.

After the Paris Attacks

To turn the tide against ISIS, America needs to step up its military and diplomatic campaign and reject voices calling for the country to turn against refugees and Muslims.

Infographic: The Screening Process for Entry to the United States for Syrian Refugees

Syrian refugees face a long security screening process before being admitted for entry to the United States that is specially designed to mitigate any threats and helps ensure Americans are not placed in harm’s way.

America at Its Best

Welcoming Syrian refugees is a moral and security imperative that can be accomplished safely.

Understanding ISIS

Turkey Should Welcome Kurdish Gains in Northern Syria

Syrian Kurdish fighters and their allies have taken a key border town from ISIS but have been met with opposition from the Turkish government. This should change.