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

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

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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