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

Jan 6, 2016

Top News: January 6, 2016

By SyriaSource

United States sees Assad staying in Syria until March 2017String of attacks kill 20 Syria rebel commandersOPCW reports Syria’s entire chemical arsenal destroyedISIS has lost 30 percent of its territoryFears of more strife for Iraq amid Saudi-Iranian row

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 5, 2016

Top News: January 5, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Russia says ISIS use of chemical weapons likely– United States expects Syria meetings despite Saudi-Iran tensions– Syrian opposition to demand confidence-building moves before talks– Istanbul police raid 16 suspected ISIS locations– Turkey to report to ECHR on curfew southeastern towns– Iraqi fighters killed while thwarting ISIS assault in Anbar

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 4, 2016

Top News: January 4, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Arab-Kurd fighters kill 16 ISIS militants near Raqqa– French military says air strikes destroy ISIS missile factory; French jets strike ISIS oil sites– Attack on Iraqi military base kills at least 12; ISIS attacks Ramadi as security forces extend control– Turkey, Israel need each other, Erdogan says

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 4, 2016

Safe Zones and Assurances

By Frederic C. Hof

Three very impressive thinkers—James Dobbins, Philip Gordon, and Jeffrey Martini—recently produced for RAND an essay entitled “A Peace Plan for Syria.” They propose that near-term diplomatic efforts focus not on nationwide governance issues, but on achieving a ceasefire that would ultimately produce three “safe zones”—one for the Assad regime, one for the Kurds, and one […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 23, 2015

Top News: December 23, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Rights watchdog says Russian bombing of Syria may be a war crime– Heavy clashes southwest of Damascus; Syrian activists accuse regime of chemical attack– UN renews attempt to get aid into Syria– Iraqi forces continue push into Ramadi; wave of attacks across Iraq kill 15 civilians– Russia hosts pro-Kurdish leader in Moscow; Lavrov to […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 23, 2015

The Syrian Bridge to 2017

By Frederic C. Hof

It has been a busy few days for the UN Security Council, what with Christmas and the New Year approaching. Resolution 2254 endorsed the diplomatic process launched in Vienna in late October, one aimed at ending a horrific war in Syria. Resolution 2258 reiterated the dissatisfaction of the Council with the manner in the Syrian […]

Iran Russia

SyriaSource

Dec 23, 2015

Syria’s Conflicting Powers Develop Separate Education Curriculums

By Hosam al-Jablawi

As the Syrian conflict intensifies unabated, four distinct entities have emerged as key players: the Assad Regime; the anti-Assad opposition seeking to depose his dictatorship; the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL); and armed Kurdish groups. Each of these four parties has sought to instill its own ideas and vision for the future within populations under […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 22, 2015

Top News: December 22, 2015

By SyriaSource

– UN to host next Syria talks end of January in Geneva, plans ‘light’ monitoring of ceasefire– ISIS shelling of Syrian school area kills nine– Turkey’s Davutoglu condemns Russian strikes on Idlib; black box from Russian jet unreadable– Turkey police kill two ‘female terrorists’; Kurdish fighters kill two Turkish soldiers in bomb attack

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 21, 2015

Deir Ezzor Airport under ISIS Attack and Assad Control

By Justice for Life Observatory in Deir Ezzor

The Islamic State (ISIS) has for the last year besieged regime-controlled areas in Syria’s Deir Ezzor province. ISIS has completely surrounded the regime territory in Deir Ezzor and and has been able to fully blockade the passage of food and trade on the ground, making air transportation—at great cost to the regime—the only medium through […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 21, 2015

Top News: December 21, 2015

By SyriaSource

– UN endorses peace process for Syria; no mention of Assad– Syrian demands halt of Russian air strikes part of truce; HRW reports use of cluster munition– Iraq Defense Minister predicts Ramadi victory by year’s end; ISIS traps residents– Iraq welcomes Turkish withdrawal announcement– Turkey military offensive kills 110 Kurdish fighters; Turkey’s pro-Kurdish leader to […]

Syria