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 22, 2016

Top News: March 22, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS massacres Kurds in Aleppo town– Syrian Kurds defend federal plan, deny autonomy aim – Regime says Assad’s fate still ‘excluded’ from Syria peace talks– UNHCR will not work in Greek ‘detention centers,’ at EU-Turkey deal

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 22, 2016

Bombings in Brussels

By Frederic C. Hof

Mass murder in the Brussels airport and metro was almost certainly either Islamic State-planned-and-executed or inspired. Coming as they did very soon after the arrest of a Brussels-based perpetrator of the November 13, 2015 ISIS massacres in Paris—an operation planned in Raqqa, the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) “capital” in Syria—these Brussels outrages may have […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 22, 2016

#5YearsWeFled: Cutting Ties to the Past

By Ayman Jalwan

This is the second 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 21, 2016

Top News: March 21, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Pro-regime fighters killed battling ISIS near Palmyra – Syria peace talks grind toward pivotal Assad question – Death toll climbs from air strikes on ISIS-held Raqqa – Russia says might use force against ceasefire violators in Syria – Suicide bomber kills four, wounds 36 in Istanbul shopping district – EU-Turkey deal to return refugees from Greece comes into force

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 18, 2016

Top News: March 18, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS claims killing of five Russian troops killed near Palmyra– UN seeks to reach over 1 million besieged Syrians in six weeks– UN envoy urges clear proposals from Damascus at Syria talks – White House says ready to help ICC genocide probe in Syria, Iraq– Bomb kills policeman in southeast Turkey

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 18, 2016

ISIS and Genocide: A Narrow Approach to Mass Murder in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

It is right and proper that the US House of Representatives (by a vote of 393 to zero) and the Obama administration have declared that the Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, Daesh) is employing genocide in its effort to fill vacuums of political legitimacy in Syria and Iraq. As Secretary of State John Kerry accurately noted […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 18, 2016

Russia’s Withdrawal from Syria is not a Defeat

By Faysal Itani

Shortly after Russia announced it would withdraw most of its forces from Syria, the first Russian military aircraft left Hmeimim air base. This was quite abrupt and unexpected but it was not shocking, nor did it indicate that Russian fortunes and commitment in Syria have collapsed. More likely, the withdrawal shows Russia’s sufficient if incomplete […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 18, 2016

Behind the Russian Withdrawal

By Daniel R. DePetris

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that he would begin a withdrawal of military assets from Syria caught nearly every observer of the conflict by surprise—even close military advisers in the Kremlin. After six months of bombing, over 9,000 strike sorties, and the deployment of approximately 4,000 Russian personnel, Putin’s declaration of “mission accomplished” is a […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 17, 2016

Putin and Assad: Is There a Split?

By Frederic C. Hof

Speculation abounds on the relationship between Moscow’s military drawdown announcement and the state of bilateral relations between Russia and Syria’s Assad regime. Does the Russian move indicate a split between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad? If there is a split, is it strategic or tactical? If these parties are diverging, what are the implications […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 17, 2016

Top News: March 17, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian Kurds declare federal region amid wide criticism– Kurdish group claims responsibility for second Ankara attack– Russia to complete Syria pullout within days– Aid agencies call for full access in Syria as conflict enters sixth year– Japanese journalist Junpei Yasuda missing in Syria, surfaces in video– EU leaders push on with contested Turkey migrant plan

Syria