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

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

Feb 23, 2016

Top News: February 23, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Experts identify new cases of Syria chemical attacks– UN says major powers feeding ‘military escalation’ in Syria– UK, Turkey, Assad, and opposition skeptical over ceasefire – Assad sets April 13 for parliamentary elections – Russia, with Turkey in mind, announces big weapons deal with Armenia

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 22, 2016

Cynicism and Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

As noted repeatedly in these pages, Secretary of State John Kerry has spared no effort to reduce violence, increase humanitarian aid, and promote negotiations for political transition in Syria. That he does so with leverage amounting to a smile and a shoeshine is not his fault. That he relies totally on the goodwill, decency, and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 22, 2016

Top News: February 22, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS bombings kill nearly 130 people in Syria– Kerry and Lavrov reach provisional deal on ceasefire– Extremists cut government supply route to Syria’s Aleppo– Kurdish militant group TAK claims responsibility for Ankara car bomb

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 19, 2016

From Analysis to Action

By Frederic C. Hof

Those who think that President Barack Obama does not understand the crisis in Syria ought to read his remarks to the press at the US-ASEAN press conference in Rancho Mirage, California on February 16. Apologists for Bashar al-Assad and his Iranian and Russian enablers will not like the way the president parses the problem. The […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 19, 2016

Top News: February 19, 2016

By SyriaSource

US and Russia hold talks on Syria ceasefire ahead of UN meetingUN Syria envoy says February 25 resumption of talks not realisticPentagon asked Russia to avoid Syrian areas with US commandosMedia rights group calls on Turkey to release Syrian journalistRussia warns Assad on vow to retake all of SyriaEU to hold migration summit with Turkey […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 19, 2016

Turkey and Saudi Arabia’s Options in Syria are Narrowing

By Faysal Itani

Lately, the high geopolitics of events in Aleppo have rightly received a great deal of attention. Yet, while observers try to divine the great power intentions of the United States and Russia from diplomatic maneuvers and statements, local developments can be a better gauge of international intentions. This week, a new rebel coalition formed in […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 18, 2016

The Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Aleppo

By S. Keleşoğlu

The recent regime advances in northern Syria have caused a new wave of people to head for Turkey seeking refuge from the fighting. However, the political maneuvering is worsening the humanitarian situation for Syrians in northern Aleppo. Turkey has begun building camps inside of Syria for those fleeing the violence in northern Aleppo, but this […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 18, 2016

Top News: February 18, 2016

By SyriaSource

Syria rebels cross from Turkey to join Aleppo battlesAid deliveries begin to five besieged Syrian townsMSF seeks independent probe into bombing of Syria hospitalCar bomb strikes military convoy in Ankara; Turkey blames Syrian Kurdish militants

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 17, 2016

Top News: February 17, 2016

By SyriaSource

Syria allows humanitarian aid into seven besieged areasUNSC criticizes Turkey’s strikes in northern SyriaRussia and United States to meet on Syria ceasefire this weekAt least 15 civilians dead in Syria coalition air raidsDeputy PM says Turkey wants secure zone 10 km within Syria

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 17, 2016

What would Capturing al-Shaddadi from ISIS require?

By Mecid Mohamed

The Islamic State (ISIS) controls a city, al-Shaddadi, in the Hasaka province along the Syrian-Iraqi border which links to its territories in Deir Ezzor. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) took control of the town of al-Hawl, in eastern Hasaka near the Syrian-Iraqi border, on November 13, 2015. This opens the way for the SDF to […]

Syria
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