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

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


MENASource

Jul 24, 2025

In a sectarian Syria, the winners should refrain from taking all

By
Marie Forestier 

To avoid the complete supremacy of HTS-supporting Sunnis, it is crucial to adopt power-sharing mechanisms ensuring inclusiveness

Democratic Transitions
International Norms


MENASource

Jul 22, 2025

Why the violence in my hometown, Swaida, goes beyond ‘rivalry.’

By
Majd AlGhatrif

US officials described the events as “a rivalry” between Syria’s Druze and Bedouins. But this framing strips the crisis of its historical and political context.

Civil Society
Conflict


MENASource

Jul 2, 2025

Why al-Sharaa’s success in Syria is good for Israel and the US

By
Itai Melchior and Nir Boms

Israel will be wise to align its policy with those who seek to integrate Syria rather than with those who seek to fragment it.

Democratic Transitions
Israel


MENASource

Jun 26, 2025

Dispatch from Damascus: Church attack shows transition’s fragility

By
Ibrahim Al-Assil

The bombing at Mar Elias Church is more than an isolated tragedy. It is a signal that Syria’s transition remains vulnerable to sabotage.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

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