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 2, 2016

Top News: February 2, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Islamist groups to participate in Syria talks on individual basis– Syria regime forces advance in north Aleppo– US envoy meets PYD in Syria– Syria condemns Turkey cross-border shelling– Syria approves aid deliveries to 3 besieged villages– Italy drops objections to EU migration fund to Turkey

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 1, 2016

Going Slow on ISIL in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The horrific Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, Daesh) suicide bombing near the Sayyida Zaynab mosque outside of Damascus is “caliph” Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s calling card—his way of reminding people that the peace talks being organized in Geneva represent only one facet of the struggle for Syria. As Washington tries, in the face of long odds, to […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 1, 2016

The Regime Advances with Russian Support

By Saleem al-Omar

With Russian air support, the Syrian regime retook Salma from the opposition. After blocking all exits from the city to trap opposition members within and heavily bombing them, regime and Russian forces took the city within several hours. The Assad fighters were not alone this time in the direct combat—Russian soldiers participated in the assault […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 1, 2016

Top News: February 1, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syria peace talks hit trouble after Damascus blast kills 60– Syria’s indirect peace talks likely to be delayed– Russian air force continues bombing ‘terrorists’ in Syria– Jordan PM links Syrian refugee admissions to foreign aid– Turkey warns Russia after alleging new airspace breach

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 30, 2016

Geneva: Pulling in the Same Direction

By Frederic C. Hof

If talks in Geneva under UN auspices between Syrian opposition and regime delegations are to be productive, the United States and its partners simply cannot act as even-handed, disinterested mediators and purveyors of diplomatic good offices, urging—as Secretary of State John Kerry does repeatedly—both sides to negotiate in good faith. This is not the time […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 29, 2016

Top News: January 29, 2016

By SyriaSource

Syrian opposition not in Geneva on the day of peace talksStarvation spreads before Syria peace talksIran coerces Afghans to fight in Syria, according to HRWSyrian Kurds plan attack to seal Turkish border

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 28, 2016

Geneva: Is That All There Is?

By Frederic C. Hof

Without doubt the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian opposition will authorize and direct its delegation to go to Geneva to engage in indirect “proximity talks” under the supervision of UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. Whatever burdens have been borne by this opposition for the better part of five years, it simply cannot risk […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 28, 2016

Top News: January 28, 2016

By SyriaSource

Russia proposes international meeting on February 11Opposition says Syrian peace talks unlikely to begin FridayUN says number of Syria’s besieged communities rises to 18PYD-YPG has no future in Syria, says Turkey’s top national security body

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 27, 2016

Top News: January 27, 2016

By SyriaSource

–Syria peace talks hinge on envoy’s answers–Kurdish PYD not invited to peace talks in Geneva–Syrian government troops recapture key southern town–Turkey’s human rights environment deteriorated in 2015, says HRW

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 26, 2016

Top News: January 26, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Deadly blasts kill 20 in Syrian city ahead of peace talks– Syria opposition meets in Riyadh, casts doubt on talks– Russian air strikes have transformed situation in Syria– Kurds accuse Syria pro-regime militia of bombings– Russia, Turkey dispute over PYD inclusion at peace talks– Search for US workers kidnapped in Baghdad focuses on Sadr […]

Syria