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.

Explore MENASOURCE

The latest on Syria


MENASource

Apr 29, 2025

Why the US must not let Syria slip away

By
Luke Wagner

Reconsidering the uneasy US-Syria relationship amid reports that Trump and al-Sharaa will meet during the US president’s Saudi Arabia visit.

Economic Sanctions
Middle East


MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

Israel is making a miscalculation in southern Syria. Here is why.

By
Ömer Özkizilcik

Israel’s approach in southern Syria risks deepening sectarian divisions, eroding the Druze community’s standin, and fueling broader instability.

Conflict
Defense Policy


MENASource

Mar 31, 2025

Western sanctions against Damascus must evolve—Just as Syria has

By
Sinan Hatahet

The US can play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Syria’s recovery by shifting its approach from maximum pressure to calibrated influence.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy


MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

Dispatch from Bekaa: Inside the sectarian skirmishes on the Syria-Lebanon border

By
Nicholas Blanford

Local Shia tribesmen have battled an assortment of Sunni jihadist militias and the new Syrian security forces dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

English
Lebanon


MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Inside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s diplomatic offensive with Syria’s Christians and Ismailis

By
Gregory Waters

HTS’s diplomatic offensive demonstrates the leadership’s political approach, which evolved over years of engaging with the Christian and Druze communities in Idlib.

Democratic Transitions
Freedom and Prosperity


MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Why the United States must bridge the Iraq-Syria divide

By
Sarkawt Shamsulddin

With leverage over both capitals, the United States emerges as the linchpin in delicate diplomatic moment between Baghdad and Damascus.

English
Iraq


MENASource

Mar 18, 2025

Landmark SDF-Damascus deal presents opportunity, and uncertainty, for Turkey

By
Ömer Özkizilcik

Despite positive signals, critical ambiguities remain in agreement between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

English
Middle East


MENASource

Mar 10, 2025

Syria’s women face a new chapter. Here’s how to amplify their voices.

By
Diana Rayes , Hind Kabawat

It is critical for women to be involved in transitional justice and constitutional reform processes in Syria.

Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Syria


MENASource

Feb 26, 2025

Why post-Assad Syria complicates the Iran-Turkey rivalry

By
Giorgio Cafiero

Depending on what unfolds after Assad’s fall, there could be reason to expect a degree of Iran-Turkey alignment in Syria.

Crisis Management
Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Feb 13, 2025

Dispatch from Syria: ‘Syrians cannot focus on their future if they are still drowning in their past’

By
Arwa Damon

The pain felt by those searching for clues in the dark void of the former regime’s detention system is palpable, Arwa Damon reports from Syria.

Conflict
Crisis Management

Content

SyriaSource

Feb 17, 2016

Washington and Moscow: A Secret Handshake?

By Frederic C. Hof

In the midst of a Russian military offensive, a suspended peace conference, and an escalating humanitarian catastrophe, the idea that all of this unfolds in accordance with a secret understanding between Moscow and Washington finds fertile soil in which to take root. It is probably by now an article of faith among most, if not […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 16, 2016

Top News: February 16, 2016

By SyriaSource

Missiles in Syria kill 50 as schools and hospitals hitKurdish-led forces seize rebel town in AleppoRussian strategists play big role in SyriaMerkel backs no-fly zone in SyriaTurkey seeks allies’ support for ground operationTurkish media say Saudi Arabia, Turkey may strike in Syria

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 16, 2016

Words without End

By Frederic C. Hof

On February 15 the Department of State issued the following statement in response to some particularly brutal air strikes in Syria by Russia and its client regime:

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 12, 2016

Words on Paper

By Frederic C. Hof

The agreement reached in Munich by the International Syria Support Group is potentially positive in two key respects: it could mitigate a humanitarian abomination by lifting sieges affecting about a million Syrian civilians; and it could pave the way for a meaningful ceasefire by mandating—within a week—a general “cessation of hostilities.” Still, Secretary of State […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 12, 2016

Top News: February,12 2016

By SyriaSource

Major powers agree to plan for cessation of hostilities in SyriaSyria task force hopes for humanitarian accessCarter says UAE will put special forces in SyriaTurkey says 100,000 refugees in border camps inside SyriaTurkish Prime Minister Davutoglu signals Turkish action after fall of Aleppo corridor

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 12, 2016

Military Conscription: A Tool to Strengthen the Baathist State

By Hasan Arfeh

On November 3, 2012, I took a cab headed to the Lebanese capital of Beirut. I carried a light bag in preparation of repetitive searches through numerous regime checkpoints. I fled Syria because the Syrian army had drafted me for service. I choose to flee my homeland instead of fighting my countrymen.

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 11, 2016

Top News: February 11, 2016

By SyriaSource

Russia proposes March 1 ceasefire in SyriaKurdish fighters capture military air base in northern SyriaRussia says US planes bombed Syria’s Aleppo on WednesdayNATO warships ordered to Aegean to help with migrant crisisTurkey’s Erdogan warns patience will run out on Syria

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 11, 2016

Inside the Sieges

By Frederic C. Hof

Before we launch today’s program, I would like to draw your attention to the latest report of the International Independent Commission of Inquiry. Our subject today is sieges. But on February 3 the Commission of Inquiry submitted to the Human Rights Council a report entitled “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Deaths in Detention in […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 10, 2016

The Consequences of Russian Free Rein in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Give Russian President Vladimir Putin his due: In Crimea and now in Syria he took the measure of potential adversaries and moved decisively. Bureaucratically free of the constraints that would have restricted post-Stalin Soviet leaders and desperately in need of foreign triumphs to distract and entertain the citizenry of a dying but dangerous country, he […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 10, 2016

Top News: February 10, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Washington hints at a military “Plan B” in Syria if ceasefire fails– Syrian rebels demand US action ahead of peace talks– Kurds attack Syrian air base held by insurgents– Turkey summons US ambassador over Syrian Kurdish forces spat– 500 dead in Syria regime’s Aleppo assault; airstrike hits MSF-supported hospital– Turkish president fires back at […]

Syria
Load More