SyriaSource

SyriaSource provided on-the-ground coverage from local, regional, and international experts with timely news and analysis.

SyriaSource

SyriaSource followed the dynamics in Syria through in-depth analysis of the impact of the conflict on Syria, its neighbors and the international community. Amplifying a diverse range of Syrian and regional voices—to reach both English—and Arabic-speaking audiences, SyriaSource transforms their words from strong but distant ideas to resounding perspectives not often heard among Washington and international policymakers. For the latest work on Syria, please visit MENASource.

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The latest on Syria


MENASource

Feb 20, 2026

Syria is not Libya, but it could become one if the world looks away

By
Kurt Davis Jr.

There are lessons from Libya's fragmentation and collapse that can be applied now as Syria sits at a similar inflection point.


Conflict

Libya


MENASource

Jan 29, 2026

Why Syria’s government must turn inward in 2026

By
Gregory Waters

Necessary domestic reforms include continued security reforms, economic development, and writing a new constitution.


Civil Society

Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Jan 28, 2026

Syria’s Kurds could be al-Sharaa’s partners in rebuilding. Why did Damascus assault them instead?

By
Amy Austin Holmes

The offensive on Kurdish neighborhoods was the third wave of sectarian violence after the targeting of Druze and Alawites.


Democratic Transitions

Middle East


MENASource

Jan 13, 2026

Eight questions (and expert answers) on the SDF’s withdrawal from Syria’s Aleppo

By
Atlantic Council experts

Our experts unpack why violence erupted, what it means for Kurdish safety and integration in Syria, and how Washington is engaging.


Civil Society

Conflict


MENASource

Dec 18, 2025

Russia’s most important Middle East base is not where you think

By
Frank Talbot

Before its future in post-Assad Syria was determined, Russia was actively searching for alternative strategic relationships in the region.


Defense Policy

Libya


MENASource

Dec 8, 2025

States shouldn’t waste the chance to establish a Syria Victims Fund

By
Kate Springs, Celeste Kmiotek

A centralized fund would better support victims of international law violations in Syria, who face unique challenges.


Democratic Transitions

International Norms


MENASource

Dec 7, 2025

Syria’s civil society must take center stage in reconstruction

By
Tara Kangarlou and Merissa Khurma

One year since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syria stands to have the most potential to showcase how local ownership can accelerate reconstruction.


Civil Society

Middle East


MENASource

Dec 7, 2025

One year after Assad’s fall, here’s what’s needed to advance justice for Syrians

By
Elise Baker and Ahmad Helmi

The second year of a post-Assad Syria requires structural reform, victim-centered leadership, and international reinforcement.


Democratic Transitions

International Norms


MENASource

Nov 21, 2025

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

By
Merissa Khurma and Giorgio Cafiero

The decision is a shift in the country’s alignment—from Russian and Iranian spheres of influence to one in NATO and GCC regional orbits.


Democratic Transitions

Middle East


MENASource

Sep 24, 2025

Is a new era of Turkey-Syria economic engagement on the horizon?

By
Ömer Özkizilcik and Levent Kemal

The convergence of Turkey's and the Gulf's economic strategies in Syria presents an opportunity for Washington.


Democratic Transitions

Middle East

Content

SyriaSource

Mar 16, 2017

Syrians Anxiously Follow the Case of the Pilot Held “Captive” in Turkey

By Saleem al-Omar

The events surrounding Mohammed Soufan, a Syrian regime military pilot who was hospitalized in Turkey, shed light on the changing position of Turkey on the Syrian war. Soufan was released from a hospital in the city of Antakya following a week of treatment. The Turkish government transferred him to an undisclosed location, out of fear […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 16, 2017

Analysis: ‘Safe Zone’ on Lebanon Border Would Benefit Hezbollah, Iran

By Abdulrahman al-Masri

OTTAWA, CANADA – On February 3, Lebanese president Michel Aoun called on the international community to establish a safe zone on the Syria-Lebanon border. A political ally of Hezbollah, Aoun said world powers must work with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime to set up the proposed zone and facilitate the return of more than 1 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 15, 2017

The Effects of Suspending American Aid to Moderate Syrian Opposition Groups

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Multiple sources within moderate Syrian opposition groups have confirmed that the CIA has stopped supervising the distribution of logistical and military assistance to groups within the Free Army in northern Syria. According to these sources, fighters in these Syrian opposition groups who oppose Assad’s rule, and who receive salaries from the operations room known as […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 15, 2017

Discussion with Amb. Frederic Hof on the Anniversary of the Syrian War

By Frederic C. Hof and Faysal Itani

March 15 marks the anniversary of Syria’s war—a war that has changed the world. In light of this, Rafik Hariri Center senior fellow Faysal Itani conducts an interview with former Ambassador Frederic C. Hof on how the war has impacted the region and broader international community, with a specific look at how the United States’ […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 13, 2017

The US Must Hold the Regime Accountable in Reconstructing Syria

By Rashad al-Kattan

Nearly six years of conflict have dramatically altered Syria’s economy. To better understand these changes, SyriaSource interviewed Rashad al-Kattan, a researcher on Syria, about the state of Syria’s economy. His responses give insight into how, even as the Syrian regime is winning on the military front, the long-term economic challenges paint a more complex picture […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 9, 2017

The Manbij Saga: An End-Game in Syria?

By Aaron Stein

The trajectory of the Syrian conflict has changed considerably in recent weeks. The United States, working by, with, and through local ground forces is poised to begin the assault on Raqqa, the Islamic State’s most important urban area in Syria.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Mar 8, 2017

Interview with The Young Republic: Local and Regional Activism for Syrians in Europe

By SyriaSource

Mohammed Alsaud is the cofounder and chairman of The Young Republic, an NGO based in Sweden with the aim to support the Syrian youth diaspora with their participation and social inclusion in Europe. SyriaSource interviewed Alsaud on the development of the organization and its successes and challenges.  

Northern Europe Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 7, 2017

“You have to wait for a new decision on your status”

By Hikmat al-Habbal

He stood in a white apron in a restaurant on the European side of Istanbul, facing a tower of dishes plastered with leftover scraps of food. They are waiting to be washed. No sooner does he finish than a new batch arrives. Majd, 17, starts work at 1pm and finishes at 8. He has started […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 7, 2017

The Core Reason for the JFS Fight Against Syrian Rebels is Competition Over Resources

By Haid Haid

Syria experts cited different motives and reasons behind the recent infighting between rebel groups in northern Syria. Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (JFS), the rebranded former al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front, launched multiple attacks against anti-Assad insurgent fractions over the past few weeks. 

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 6, 2017

The Reality of Economic Reconstruction in Syria

By Rashad al-Kattan

Nearly six years of conflict have dramatically altered Syria’s economy. To better understand these changes, SyriaSource interviewed Rashad al-Kattan, a researcher on Syria, about the state of Syria’s economy. His responses give insight into how, even as the Syrian regime is winning on the military front, the long-term economic challenges paint a more complex picture […]

Syria
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