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

Mar 29, 2016

#5YearsWeFled: Refusing to Fight Bashar’s War

By Ayman Jalwan

This is the third part of a series of interviews with the lawyer Ayman Jalwan. It highlights the difficult choice that Syrians face—dying in the war zone that Syria had become, or fleeing the land they love. Last year, Ayman Jalwan and his wife said goodbye to their families and joined the wave of citizens […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 28, 2016

Top News: March 28, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS driven out of Syria’s ancient Palmyra city– Russian air force to continue supporting Syrian army offensive– UN specialist could oversee release of Syrian detainees– Dozens killed in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 28, 2016

On the Capture of Palmyra

By Frederic C. Hof

News that Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) armed elements have been driven from Palmyra is welcome, irrespective of the circumstances. No doubt Russian air assaults in support of foreign fighter and Assad regime ground forces produced unnecessary civilian casualties. But driving barbarians from this UNESCO World Heritage site is welcome news.

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 28, 2016

Altering the Past to Shape the Prologue

By Frederic C. Hof

Misleading commentary by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov aimed at rewriting history and the failure of his American counterpart to correct the record may indicate an evolving Russian-American understanding that the stated purpose of Geneva peace negotiations—political transition in Syria—has been overtaken by events. If transition is not the aim of the negotiations, one may […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 25, 2016

Top News: March 25, 2016

By SyriaSource

– North Korea troops in Syria to help Assad– Fighting against ISIS rages in central Syrian town of Palmyra– ‘No Drama, No Walkouts’ and no progress in Syria peace talks– PKK attack on military station kills three soldiers– Russia to “unfreeze” relations with Turkey if takes responsibility

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 24, 2016

Locals in Idlib Take on the Nusra Front

By Ali Melhem

There’s growing hostility between al-Qaida’s branch in Syria and the locals of Idlib. After attempting to disrupt popular protests in the streets of Maarat al-Numan last week, the insurgent group then pushed a popular branch of the Free Syrian Army out of town

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 24, 2016

Top News: March 24, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syria army fights ISIS at gates of Palmyra – Syria war parties to agree on UN basic principles paper – Kerry tells Russia he wants further reduction in Syria violence – Turkey informed Belgium over attacker’s terrorist links

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 23, 2016

The Siege Economy of Eastern Ghouta

By Youssef Sadaki

Two and a half years of blockades and at times complete siege on areas Eastern Ghouta have left the local population without essential food, water, electricity, and fuel. As prices rise, merchants and military opposition factions have exploited the situation to profit from the siege, seizing the best and most crucial supplies for battalion members […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 23, 2016

Top News: March, 23 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian army seizes hills overlooking ISIS-held Palmyra– Kerry off to Russia for Syria talks after Brussels attacks– Syrian refugees denied critical health care in Jordan– Syria greenlights aid for most besieged towns, UN says – Turkey launches air strikes against PKK in Iraq, Turkey

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 22, 2016

Isolation of the Kurds in Syria

By Jiwan Soz

As a result of the political and military changes in Syria after March 2011, Kurds now control three major territories in Syria: Kobani, Afrin, and Hasaka. However, they face political difficulties due to the many schisms among the Kurdish parties, Turkey’s fear that Syrian Kurds will unite their cantons in northern Syria, and deteriorating relations […]

Syria