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 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