"Syria: In Search of Solutions" is the topic of the next installment in the "Conversations at The Carter Center" series, set for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Center's Ivan Allen III Pavilion.

Hrair Balian and Chris McNaboe, both from The Carter Center, will talk about their work in Syria and their Syrian Conflict Mapping project, which is providing critical information about the conflict.  

The Syria Conflict Mapping Project is an initiative launched by the Center's Conflict Resolution Program examining the massive amounts of citizen-generated information available online.

The project provides up-to-date analysis on the current state of the conflict and examines the following:

• the growth of opposition armed groups in each governorate within Syria
• the evolution of armed opposition hierarchies at the local, regional and national levels
• the formation of pro-government paramilitary forces
• the current geographic delineation of pro- and anti-government forces

Balian directs the Center's Conflict Resolution Program and coordinates the Center's cross-program efforts in the Middle East. He is also an adjunct professor at the Emory Law School.

McNaboe is manager of the Syria Conflict Mapping Project, which he developed in December 2012 and has since expanded.

Balian was traveling in the Middle East in early October.

"I will have much up-to-date information on the escalating war in Syria, Syrian and international reactions to it from the ground, and prospects for a negotiated end to the war, making the Conversation all the more interesting," he says.

The event is open to the public and free of charge. However, reservations are required to attend in person. Email Brooke Huger to reserve a seat.

Those unable to attend in person can watch the live webcast of this event. Reservations are not required to watch the webcast and a link will be posted on the Center website about 10 minutes prior to the start of the event. The webcast will also be placed into the Center archive the week following the live event.

The Carter Center is an affiliate of Emory University independently governed by a board of trustees that includes appointees from both The Carter Center and Emory, with Emory President James Wagner serving as an ex-officio member. Its programs focus on advancing human rights, presenting and resolving conflict, enhancing freedom and democracy, and improving health worldwide.