SyriaSource

SyriaSource provided on-the-ground coverage from local, regional, and international experts with timely news and analysis.

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

Feb 20, 2026

Syria is not Libya, but it could become one if the world looks away

By
Kurt Davis Jr.

There are lessons from Libya's fragmentation and collapse that can be applied now as Syria sits at a similar inflection point.


Conflict

Libya


MENASource

Jan 29, 2026

Why Syria’s government must turn inward in 2026

By
Gregory Waters

Necessary domestic reforms include continued security reforms, economic development, and writing a new constitution.


Civil Society

Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Jan 28, 2026

Syria’s Kurds could be al-Sharaa’s partners in rebuilding. Why did Damascus assault them instead?

By
Amy Austin Holmes

The offensive on Kurdish neighborhoods was the third wave of sectarian violence after the targeting of Druze and Alawites.


Democratic Transitions

Middle East


MENASource

Jan 13, 2026

Eight questions (and expert answers) on the SDF’s withdrawal from Syria’s Aleppo

By
Atlantic Council experts

Our experts unpack why violence erupted, what it means for Kurdish safety and integration in Syria, and how Washington is engaging.


Civil Society

Conflict


MENASource

Dec 18, 2025

Russia’s most important Middle East base is not where you think

By
Frank Talbot

Before its future in post-Assad Syria was determined, Russia was actively searching for alternative strategic relationships in the region.


Defense Policy

Libya


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

Content

SyriaSource

Mar 16, 2016

Top News: March 16, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian Kurds say they will declare federal region in Syria– Russia withdraws almost half of Syria strike force– UN envoy to meet pro-Russia Syrian opposition group at talks– Kerry, Putin to discuss Syria as Russia seeks to bolster influence– Denmark’s TV2 channel opens office in Syrian capital

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 15, 2016

Putin Can Grant Assad Ground, Not Legitimacy

By Bassam Barabandi and Rudayna Baalbaky

Russia’s military intervention has dramatically transformed the Syrian conflict, enabling the battered Assad regime to reclaim lost territory and helping broker a ceasefire that locked the regime’s gains in place. But while the Russian-backed Assad offensive is able to regain control of the country, the regime has lost legitimacy in the eyes of Syrians and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 15, 2016

Top News: March 15, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Moscow says Russian warplanes have started to leave Syria– Russian jets help Syrian army advance near Palmyra– UN convoys trying to reach besieged Syrian towns this week– Al-Nusra Front vows new offensive after Russian pullout– Syrian arrested in Sweden for war crimes

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 15, 2016

Russia’s Announced Withdrawal from Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Moscow’s announcement that the “main part” of its combat contingent will withdraw from Syria is interesting and potentially positive. Yet it must be treated with caution. What will be withdrawn? When? What will be left behind? What capabilities will reside in that which remains in Syria? Until these basic questions are answered the announcement, in […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 15, 2016

#5YearsWeFled: How Our Journey Began

By Ayman Jalwan

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 fleeing the land they love. Last year, Ayman Jalwan and his wife said goodbye to their families and joined the wave of citizens leaving the country. First they […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 14, 2016

Top News: March 14, 2016

By SyriaSource

– UN Syria Envoy says Plan B in talks is a ‘return to war’ – ISIS commander Shishani clinically dead– Nusra Front attacks US-backed Syrian rebels– Syria aid deliveries from Red Cross postponed over violence– SAMS reports 161 chemical weapons attacks in Syria’s war– Russian FM Sergei Lavrov says evidence Turkish troops in Syria– Deadly explosion in the heart of Turkey’s capital

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 14, 2016

President Obama’s Atlantic Interview: The Syria Angle

By Frederic C. Hof

Jeffrey Goldberg’s interviews with President Obama as recorded in The Atlantic shed additional light on how the president has processed the multifaceted challenges presented by Syria. Employing the time-honored principle that the best defense is a good offense, the president described his September 2013 chemical weapons red-line reversal as a source of pride: a rejection of […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 14, 2016

The War on the Syrian Insurgency Continues in Plain Sight

By Faysal Itani and Hossam Abouzahr

It has been two weeks since a US-Russia brokered cessation of hostilities in Syria came into effect. Many analysts including these authors were skeptical about its prospects, due to the agreement’s terms and the regime’s perceived interests. Skeptics expected the regime and its allies to exploit a clause allowing attacks on the al-Qaeda affiliate Nusra […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 11, 2016

Top News: March 11, 2016

By SyriaSource

– In Aleppo, five civilians killed in regime raids– Syrian army aims for eastward advance with Palmyra attack– Syrian opposition groups to attend Geneva peace talks– UN-monitored elections in Syria to start 18 months from March 14– NATO to boost surveillance on Turkey-Syria border

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 10, 2016

Top News: March 10, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syria opposition sees fewer truce breaches, UN prepares talks– Insurgents in Syria attack government positions in Hama– ISIS commander still alive, but badly wounded after US strike– Syria’s domestic opposition to boycott parliamentary vote– Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of aiding sarin gas delivery to rebels

Syria
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