The research program on Syria is designed to enhance knowledge about events in Syria, while examining the possible options for the future of the state and ways to work toward a solution to the civil war, bloodshed, and social and political problems. The research will focus particularly on the implications for Israel and its ability to influence events in the Syrian arena, and point out opportunities for improving Israel’s strategic situation. The study will take place on a number of analytical levels: (1) A comprehensive internal analysis of Syria – social, tribal, ethnic, religious, economic, class, and military (2) A map of the external actors involved in Syria, their interests, and the potential effect of their involvement (3) Formulation of possible scenarios for the future of Syria and analysis of those scenarios on each level of information (4) An analysis of the significance for Israel and recommendations for action. At the heart of the research is the question: can a strategy to oust both the Assad regime and the Islamic State be formulated, without a need to accept either of these poor alternatives?