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

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


MENASource

Sep 17, 2025

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

By
Marie Forestier 

As the indirect electoral process begins, Syrian officials could take several steps to increase women’s chances in this process.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq

By
Atlantic Council experts

This new frontier in the US-Iraq relationship leaves many opportunities, challenges and unknowns. Our experts unpack it all.

Defense Policy
Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Aug 25, 2025

Dispatch from Syria’s Christian strongholds: A new government, a full political spectrum

By
Gregory Waters

The conditions of Christian communities across the country remain varied, with the opinions of religious and community leaders deeply mixed.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Aug 8, 2025

Sweida’s humanitarian crisis presents a test for Syria’s transitional government and its global partners

By
Diana Rayes 

Sweida is not an isolated tragedy—it is a litmus test for Syria’s fragile political transition and for the international community’s resolve to respond to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Conflict
Economy & Business


MENASource

Jul 30, 2025

After Swaida: How Syria’s periphery is shaping its future

By
Ibrahim Al-Assil

What comes next in Syria will not be determined by battlefield victories or summit declarations, but by the evolving realities on the ground.

Conflict
Democratic Transitions

Content

SyriaSource

Jul 27, 2016

Will Turkey Accelerate Granting Citizenship to Syrians after the Failed Coup?

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Early this month, a speech by Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan announcing an initiative to grant citizenship to Syrian refugees caused widespread controversy in Syrian and Turkish circles alike. Recent events in Turkey may have accelerated the program, with the government now taking tangible steps towards the initiative, particularly as relates to prominent Syrian artists […]

Syria
Turkey

SyriaSource

Jul 25, 2016

Besieged Syrians Defy Hunger and Death with Makeshift Innovations

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Thousands of Syrians in besieged areas across the country from all sides of the conflict fight daily to secure a livelihood and fulfill their basic needs using makeshift means, some which stand out for their spirit of innovation. Whereas some fortunate areas have been able to overcome the blockade through autonomous production initiatives and establishing […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 25, 2016

Sowing Hope and Weeding Out Siege Profiteers

By Annia Ciezadlo

BEIRUT – In Madaya, a mountain village nestled between Damascus and the Syrian-Lebanese border, windowsills used to blossom with roses, jasmine, and the scented geraniums that people might once have used to flavor a delicate syrup for sweets. But now, instead of flowers, the windows are overflowing with cucumbers, tomatoes and zucchini.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 20, 2016

How Do Civilians Teach Their Children in ISIS-held Deir Ezzor?

By Justice for Life Observatory in Deir Ezzor

ISIS established its education system in Deir Ezzor to supplement its forces with young male fighters who are imbued with its extremist ideology. However, civilians in Deir Ezzor have found ways to counter the education system imposed upon their children by ISIS. Teachers, parents, and students have adopted ruses that embody the spirit of non-violent […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 19, 2016

Why the New Syrian Army failed to Defeat ISIS in al-Bukamal

By Abdullah al-Ghadawi

The New Syrian Army (NSyA), a US-supported armed group focused on fighting the Islamic State, gave a free victory to ISIS in al-Bukamal, a city on the Syrian-Iraqi border. ISIS needed this victory to raise its fighters’ morale, which has been low after the armed group has faced continuous losses in Syria and Iraq. Their […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 15, 2016

What’s Next for Syria? What’s Needed to Advance Syria’s Negotiations

By SyriaSource

On July 14, the Atlantic Council hosted a discussion with three distinguished Syrian opposition representatives: Dr. Bassma Kodmani, member of the Geneva negotiations team and spokesperson for the opposition; Ms. Alise Mofrej, Syrian politician and member of the negotiations team; and Dr. Seve Aydin-Izouli, lawyer and member of the Bar Association of Paris. Their presentation […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 13, 2016

FACTBOX: Syria’s Conflict Economy

By Brandi Young

As a result of Syria’s five-year-long civil war, the country has suffered great humanitarian and economic losses. The war has set the country back decades in terms of economic, social, and human development. Here, some of these losses will be summarized, using a working IMF report: “Syria’s Conflict Economy.”

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 12, 2016

Conversations: Selling Military Antiques in Wartime

By Al-Basel Tadrous

GHOUTA, SYRIA – Eastern Ghouta in the Damascus suburbs was once a main Syrian agricultural and industrial hub home to some 2 million people. But since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the region, just eight miles (13 km) outside the capital, has become the scene of some of the worst destruction and violence, […]

SyriaSource

Jul 11, 2016

First Development Project in Marginalised Region

By Khoshman Qado

Shar For Development has launched a first-of-a-kind development project in the north-eastern al-Jazirah plain to lure local investors and limit dependence on international support in the future. (ʿAmuda, al-Hasakah, Syria) The marginalising policies that the region of al-Jazirah has endured for decades have resulted in widespread unemployment, driving a great part of the workforce from the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 8, 2016

Evading the Point

By Frederic C. Hof

A recent editorial in The Los Angeles Times calls for American cooperation with Russia in Syria and, citing the Syria policy dissent memorandum offered by 51 “State Department staffers,” opines that “Frustrating as it may be, exploring the possibility of cooperation with Moscow in Syria is still preferable to trying to oust Assad through U.S. […]

Syria
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