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 9, 2016

Top News: March 9, 2016

By SyriaSource

– US says air strike likely killed a top ISIS military commander in Syria– UN sees no halt in Syria truce, talks to run to March 24– US military said to need a boost in fight against ISIS, requests restart of train and equip– Turkey ends sweep in Kurdish town of Idil, says 114 militants […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 8, 2016

Protests Sweep Across Syria During Ceasefire

By Saleem al-Omar

Anti-Assad protests are back all over Syria as the second week of the ceasefire starts. The opposition territories saw more than 100 protests, with protestors waving revolution flags and calling for freedom. The largest numbers of protests was in Idlib province, where Friday witnessed protests across province. The southern city of Busra al-Harir also saw […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 8, 2016

Top News: March 8, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian government says will attend peace talks starting March 14, opposition undecided– Syrian army retakes village in Aleppo province from Nusra Front– US denies building air bases in northern Syria– One killed, another wounded as rocket projectiles from Syria hit Turkey– EU, Turkey hope to get breakthrough migrant deal by March 17

SyriaSource

Mar 7, 2016

Top News: March 7, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian opposition to attend Geneva peace talks– Syrians use truce to resume Friday protests– Syrian rebels take border crossing from ISIS– EU migration summit looks to Turkey to stem influx– Turkish president suggests building refugee city in northern Syria– Seized Turkish newspaper adopts pro-government line, receives international condemnation

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 4, 2016

Syria: Next Steps

By Frederic C. Hof

One week into the designated start of a cessation of hostilities in Syria the results on the ground are mixed. Of supreme importance, however, is that the tempo of Assad regime mass homicide (supported and supplemented by Russia) has slowed, particularly in densely populated urban areas. The number of desperately needy Syrians getting humanitarian aid […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 4, 2016

Top News: March 4, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian rebel group says government mobilizing to take more areas– International leaders discuss Syria with Russia– United Nations says deal is near with Syria on aid– EU outlines plan to save open borders, cajoles Turkey– Istanbul hit by three more armed attacks Thursday

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 3, 2016

Top News: March 3, 2016

By SyriaSource

– European leaders to discuss Syria with Putin Friday – ‘Huge drop’ in civilian deaths after Syria truce– Electricity supply gradually returns after nationwide outage in Syria– United States struggles with Arabic reports on Syria truce violations– Turkey cracks down on insults to President Erdogan– United States warns PYD not to support PKK in Turkey

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 2, 2016

The Impact of Air Strikes and Military Operations on ISIS’s Economy

By Justice for Life Observatory in Deir Ezzor

After conquering eastern Syria, the Islamic State (ISIS) focused on building a central economic system to control its resources. Its economy includes revenue earned from oil and gas, levying taxes on trade movement, price fixing, and fines collected from people violating laws.

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 2, 2016

Top News: March 2, 2016

By SyriaSource

– UN to restart Syria peace talks on March 9– Jordan says operation near Syria border foiled ISIS attacks– Syrian government forces open new battle with rebels in northwest– Kurdish-led fighters close in on Syria’s Aleppo city– Ankara denies it is blocking NATO’s Aegean operation; EU returns 150 migrants to Turkey– Turkey’s Diyarbakir governorate bans […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 1, 2016

Top News: March 1, 2016

By SyriaSource

– United States, Russia in new Syria military safety talks – Assad backs Syria truce, accuses opposition of violations– UK admits bombing ISIS in Syria not working; Pentagon expands cyber war– United States under pressure to take lead in Syria migrant crisis– United Nations says food aid will be restored to Syrians– Turkey partially lifts curfew […]

Syria