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.

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

Feb 9, 2016

Top News: February 9, 2016

By SyriaSource

Car bomb in Syrian capital kills severalRussia says no evidence of civilian deaths in its Syria bombingsUnited States, Saudi push ceasefire ahead of Syria talksMore than 1 million are besieged in SyriaUN urges Turkey to open borders to Syrians

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 9, 2016

Iran and Russia: Why We Fight in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic has just submitted to the Human Rights Council yet another devastating report on mass homicide in Syria. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Deaths in Detention in the Syrian Arab Republic spares no one: it cites deadly, illegal abuses by the Islamic State (ISIL, […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 8, 2016

Top News: February 8, 2016

By SyriaSource

Syrian rebels lose ground as Kurds begin talks with RussiaAs Syria rebels face rout, allies, Saudi, Turkey may send troopsUN probe accuses Damascus of ‘extermination’ of detainees De Mistura wants to see willingness to reach Syria peace dealTurkey, Germany to carry joint diplomatic efforts for AleppoErdogan to US: Choose either Turkey or PYD as your […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 5, 2016

Syria: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By Frederic C. Hof

Word out of Saudi Arabia that the Kingdom is willing to contribute ground forces to the anti-Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, Daesh) fight in Syria and the positive reaction of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter combine to form one of earth’s rarest elements: good news on Syria. The ongoing display of official American disbelief about the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 5, 2016

Top News: February 5, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian troops make gains in southern offensive– Senior Iranian commander killed in Syria– Turkey accuses Russia of spreading propaganda – Over 10,000 Syrians mass on Turkish border as regime advances

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 5, 2016

Moadamiya: Two Years of Siege and Starvation

By Youssef Sadaki

Over the past two years, the Syrian regime and its allied militias have persisted in using starvation as a weapon against opposition areas. Madaya, which only recently became the focus of media attention, is only one of over 40 other areas that has reached a state of crisis due to regime siege tactics, according to Siege […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 4, 2016

Syria: What Next?

By Frederic C. Hof

For over four years an article of faith for senior Western politicians has been that there is no military solution to the crisis in Syria. Properly translated this mantric assertion, still being chanted in 2016, would read as follows: We in the West will not lift a finger militarily to stop, complicate, or mitigate mass […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 4, 2016

Top News: February 4, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Nearly 40,000 Syrians flee regime’s advance on Aleppo– Kerry demands Russia halt Syria bombing after talks suspended– Russian says strikes hit 875 ‘terrorist’ targets in Syria this month– Russia suspects Turkey prepares to enter Syria– YPG says it has crossed Turkey’s “red-line” in Syria – Turkey bans Russian observation flight near Syria border

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 3, 2016

The Military and Political Significance of Aleppo

By Faysal Itani and Hossam Abouzahr

In a serious blow to the rebellion, the Syrian regime has severed the main insurgent supply line from Turkey to long-contested Aleppo, Syria’s second city. This is the culmination of several tactical regime victories against the opposition in recent weeks, largely due to Russian air support. Although some Western policy-makers (and many opposition supporters) continue […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 3, 2016

Top News: February 3, 2016

By SyriaSource

– New offensive by Assad’s forces overshadows Syria peace talks– Jordanians ‘at boiling point’ over Syria refugees– Donors face record request of $9 billion to aid Syrians– Turkey-Syria border nearly ISIS-free, says Kerry

Syria