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.

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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

Jan 25, 2016

Top News: January 25, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syria opposition to meet Tuesday, blames Russia for ‘obstacles’– Syrian government retakes rebel towns in Latakia province– Russia says it has no plans to set up another base in Syria– US Vice President Biden visits Istanbul to discuss regional developments– Saudi envoy comments on Iraq’s Shia militias draw hostile reactions– Czechs to send guns, […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 22, 2016

Civilian Protection in Syria: Portal to Political Progress

By Frederic C. Hof

A consistent theme hammered home in these pages for years has been that the protection of civilians in Syria is the sole portal through which progress toward peace and political transition can be achieved. The Kremlin has and continues to regard this issue with contempt—under its current management, it sees widespread civilian terror, death, and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 22, 2016

Top News: January 22, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian Kurds say must be represented at Geneva talks – EU official says Syria losses may force ISIS leaders to move to Libya– Syria court sentences Assad cousin to 20 years for murder– Aid airdrops to Syria’s besieged are called too dangerous – Iraq to start Mosul offensive against ISIS in first half of 2016 – Turkey […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 21, 2016

Will Geneva Happen? Should it?

By Frederic C. Hof

Two years ago delegations representing the Syrian opposition and government met in Geneva, purportedly to negotiate peace. The master of ceremonies at the time, UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, had a bad feeling going in about the prospects for success—reservations that events would fully justify. He had been asked to convene the meeting in spite […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 21, 2016

Top News: January 21, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Kerry says there will be no ‘fundamental delay’ in Syria talks – France says air strikes against ISIS will accelerate– United States, France condemn Russia’s role in Syria– Turkey plans operation in Syria as part of international movement to dismantle ISIS– Hundreds of army trainers needed for Mosul recapture

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 20, 2016

Inside ISIS’s Siege on Deir Ezzor

By Ghaith al-Ahmad

Deir Ezzor residents find themselves caught between the Islamic State (ISIS) and Syrian regime. ISIS currently controls areas that the armed resistance controlled through mid-2014, the entire suburbs of Deir Ezzor, and large parts of the city neighborhoods. The remaining residents live under the regime, which has tight control over the neighborhoods of al-Joora, al-Qusoor, […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 20, 2016

Top News: January 20, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS frees 270 civilians captured in eastern Syria– Kerry and Lavrov try to settle differences over Syria talks– Syria’s opposition says cannot attend talks if third party joins– Russian shows military might, air strikes in Syria kill 3,000 people since September – According to Amnesty report, Kurds waging campaign to uproot Arabs in north Iraq– […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 19, 2016

Factors Driving the Destruction of Syria’s Natural Heritage

By Amr al-Faham

The Assad government has long neglected Syria’s environment and natural heritage in favor of actions that have short term gains but that have increased the rate of desertification and ruined agricultural land. The civil war has created a new set of problems: lack of protection for reservations, increased smuggling encouraged by a lack of law […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 19, 2016

Top News: January 19, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS captures government held ground in eastern Syria – Four injured in blast at Turkish school near Syria– Dispute over opposition’s seat at table threatens to push back Syria peace talks– Iraq searching for three US citizens reportedly abducted – Battle against ISIS has turned Ramadi into a ghost town

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 15, 2016

Top News: January 15, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Russia and Syria signed open-ended agreement on military presence – UNICEF confirms severe malnutrition in besieged Madaya – Russia says aid must be allowed into areas in Syria blockaded by militants– United States, Russia agree January 25 Syria talks must go forward– Iraqi force enters southern oil city to disarm tribal fighters– Turkey detains academics who […]

Syria
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