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.

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

Apr 6, 2016

Alawite Identity in Syria

By H.A. Hellyer

Earlier this month, the BBC reported that representatives of the Alawite community in Syria released a document of ‘identity’—in summation, a declaration of Alawism and its place and relevance in Syria. The role that sect plays and has played within the domain of Syrian and regional politics is tremendous, and is perhaps one of the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Apr 5, 2016

#5YearsWeFled: Crossing the Border

By SyriaSource

This series is from interviews with the lawyer Ayman Jalwan. It highlights the difficult choice that Syrians face—dying in the war zone that Syria had become, or flee the land he loved. Last year, he and his wife said goodbye to their families and joined the wave of citizens leaving the country. First they had […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Apr 4, 2016

Assad: Total Defiance

By Frederic C. Hof

Without minimizing for a moment those things dividing Washington and Moscow over Syria, there is at least agreement in principle on three fundamental points: all-Syrian peace negotiations in Geneva should focus on United Nations-mandated political transition leading to democracy and pluralism; that a “cessation of hostilities” in western Syria should boost these negotiations by suppressing […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Apr 1, 2016

Enabling Syria’s Women Journalists

By Zuhour Mahmoud

The Syrian Female Journalists’ Network is a non-profit initiative that trains Syrian female journalists and promotes their role in the region’s media. Syria Deeply spoke to co-founder Milia Eidmouni about the network’s work and its plans for women working in Syria’s media

Syria

SyriaSource

Apr 1, 2016

Top News: April 1, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Death toll from east Damascus airstrikes rises to more than 30– Rebels drop leaflets over Syrian capital from drones– Canada to take in 10,000 more Syrian refugees– Syrian held for smuggling migrants to Cyprus– Turkey forcibly returned hundreds of Syrian refugees to war zone

Syria

SyriaSource

Apr 1, 2016

Killing the Islamic State in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

One would think that massacres in Paris and Brussels would sufficiently motivate the West to inject real urgency into the battle against the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) in Syria by deploying professional ground forces to close with and kill the enemy. Air strikes and Kurdish militiamen inflict damage, no doubt about it. But decisive […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 31, 2016

Top News: March 31, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Assad ‘willing to form new government’ with opposition– Russia and US ‘planning military coordination against ISIS in Syria’– ISIS commander killed in drone strike near Raqqa– Losing momentum in delivering aid to Syria, Egeland says– Turkish army ‘ready’ to shell YPG positions if it crosses Azaz-Jarablus line– Turkish army rules out ‘anti-Erdogan coup’

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 30, 2016

Top News: March 30, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Russia shipping more to Syria despite withdrawal– Austria will not process all asylum requests– Syrian opposition may end truce, documents lack Assad leaving– Assad thanks UN chief for comments on taking Palmyra– US orders diplomatic, military families out of southern Turkey

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 29, 2016

The Need for Local Support to Defeat ISIS

By Muhammad Adnan

International coalition air strikes Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ground assaults have weakened the Islamic State (ISIS), forcing it to fall back in northern Syria. ISIS is adapting as best it can to combination of air and ground assaults and changing its strategy by playing on the inability of Kurdish forces to advance into the Arab […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 29, 2016

Top News: March 29, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syria regime forces advance on ISIS town near Palmyra– Syria troops remove 150 landmines from Palmyra so far– China appoints first special envoy for Syria crisis– Oxfam urges rich nations to take in more Syria refugees– Russian military delegation arrives in Turkey

Syria