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


New Atlanticist

May 13, 2025

Experts react: Trump just announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. What’s next? 

By
Atlantic Council experts

Our experts provide their insights on how the removal of US sanctions on Syria would affect the country and the wider region.

Civil Society
Economic Sanctions


MENASource

May 8, 2025

From rubble to rebirth: A model for Syria’s reconstruction

By
Mahmood Alhosain

Almost six months since Assad regime collapse, four key pillars will determine whether this new Damascus can seize the opportunity.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Apr 29, 2025

Why the US must not let Syria slip away

By
Luke Wagner

Reconsidering the uneasy US-Syria relationship amid reports that Trump and al-Sharaa will meet during the US president’s Saudi Arabia visit.

Economic Sanctions
Middle East


MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

Israel is making a miscalculation in southern Syria. Here is why.

By
Ömer Özkizilcik

Israel’s approach in southern Syria risks deepening sectarian divisions, eroding the Druze community’s standin, and fueling broader instability.

Conflict
Defense Policy


MENASource

Mar 31, 2025

Western sanctions against Damascus must evolve—Just as Syria has

By
Sinan Hatahet

The US can play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Syria’s recovery by shifting its approach from maximum pressure to calibrated influence.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy


MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

Dispatch from Bekaa: Inside the sectarian skirmishes on the Syria-Lebanon border

By
Nicholas Blanford

Local Shia tribesmen have battled an assortment of Sunni jihadist militias and the new Syrian security forces dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

English
Lebanon


MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Inside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s diplomatic offensive with Syria’s Christians and Ismailis

By
Gregory Waters

HTS’s diplomatic offensive demonstrates the leadership’s political approach, which evolved over years of engaging with the Christian and Druze communities in Idlib.

Democratic Transitions
Freedom and Prosperity


MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Why the United States must bridge the Iraq-Syria divide

By
Sarkawt Shamsulddin

With leverage over both capitals, the United States emerges as the linchpin in delicate diplomatic moment between Baghdad and Damascus.

English
Iraq


MENASource

Mar 18, 2025

Landmark SDF-Damascus deal presents opportunity, and uncertainty, for Turkey

By
Ömer Özkizilcik

Despite positive signals, critical ambiguities remain in agreement between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

English
Middle East


MENASource

Mar 10, 2025

Syria’s women face a new chapter. Here’s how to amplify their voices.

By
Diana Rayes , Hind Kabawat

It is critical for women to be involved in transitional justice and constitutional reform processes in Syria.

Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Syria

Content

SyriaSource

Oct 18, 2016

Russia Has Never Been Serious about Lifting the Siege on Aleppo, So Why the Temporary Ceasefire Now?

By Haid Haid

On October 17, 2016, Russia’s defense minister announced that Russian and Syrian forces would be halting hostilities for eight hours in the eastern districts of Aleppo on October 20 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. This brief cease-fire will supposedly allow for the free passage of civilians, evacuation of the sick and wounded, and withdrawal […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 14, 2016

The Symbolic War of Fatwas among Rebels in Syria and Its Implications

By Haid Haid

The ongoing Turkish-led Euphrates Shield operation against the Islamic State (ISIS), backed with allied Syrian rebel groups and US air cover, has led opposition groups to issue a number of competing fatwas (religious rulings). Ahrar al-Sham issued a fatwa considering it permissible to participate in this operation under the Turkish flag. Two days later, Jabhat Fateh […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 13, 2016

Islamist Groups Ahrar al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa Go to War

By Saleem al-Omar

A state of tension and outright war between Ahrar al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa, two Islamist groups, prevails in Idlib and the countryside around Hama. Conflict between the two groups intensified soon after a security battalion from Ahrar al-Sham detained an ISIS cell in Saraqib in Idlib province that, according to Ahrar al-Sham, received orders directly […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 13, 2016

ISIS’ Next Stop

By Feras Hanoush

The Islamic State (ISIS) has expanded the territory under their control, which is now larger than the area of the United Kingdom, but this has come at the cost of exposing itself on all sides to enemies and hindering its ability to control its territory.

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 13, 2016

Seven Months after ‘Liberating’ Palmyra, Residents Still Cannot Return

By Elizabeth Tsurkov and Mohammad Hasan al-Homsi

In late March 2016, forces fighting on behalf of the Syrian regime completed their takeover of the city of Palmyra, well known for its antiquities sites. While the battle showed the increasing reliance of the regime on its foreign backers, this military accomplishment was presented by the regime and its allies as proof of the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 11, 2016

What the Recent Infighting Between Islamist Groups Tells Us

By Loubna Mrie

Clashes between Islamist opposition units Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham have continued for several days in a row in opposition-held areas of northern Syria. This recent string of fights began when Jund al-Aqsa attempted to abduct Ahrar al-Sham’s security officer in Saraqeb in Idlib province. The operation resulted in the death of his brother and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 7, 2016

Analysis: Why Assad’s Propaganda Isn’t As Crazy As It Seems

By Annia Ciezadlo

BEIRUT – On September 23, Syrian state media announced a new offensive against “terrorists” – its usual term for anyone in rebel-held areas – in eastern Aleppo, which has been under total siege by the government and its allied militias since July. The next day, an estimated 72 people died in government and Russian airstrikes on Aleppo, according […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 6, 2016

Increasing Tactics of Forced Displacement in Syria

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Four years of siege and starvation have forced remaining civilians in the Syrian city of Darayya to negotiate with the regime and accept being forcibly displaced in exchange for their lives. The city, which five years ago was home to 250,000 people, is now empty, just like so many other regions in Syria that have […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 28, 2016

Obama Gives Free Rein to Assad and Putin

By Mona Alami

In the past eight days alone, over 1,000 people were killed in Aleppo as Russian aircraft bombarded the city. Russia and the Assad regime’s fresh offensive on the country’s former economic center signals its intent to maximize gains in Syria before the next US presidential elections and its belief that victory is within reach.

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 28, 2016

Syrian Rebels Issue Opposing Fatwas as the Regime Destroys Aleppo

By Saleem al-Omar

Following the recent Turkish Euphrates Shield operation on Syrian territory against the Islamic State (ISIS), Syrian opposition groups issued several Fatwas (religious rulings) in support of joining operations under Turkish command. The underlying argument behind the fatwas is where opposition fighters should be deployed: fighting to defend Aleppo city, or supporting the Turkish operation further […]

Syria
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