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

Dec 18, 2015

Unanswered Questions after the Riyadh Conference

By Daniel R. DePetris

The Riyadh conference last week hosted over one hundred political and armed opposition factions. The image of seeing a range of political activists and some of the most hardline Islamist rebel groups in the same room for the first time was an accomplishment in and of itself. Secretary of State John Kerry clearly realized how […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 18, 2015

Top News: December 18, 2015

By SyriaSource

– World powers meeting in New York to address Syrian war and ISIS– More firepower at Russian base as bombers pound Syria, warships bolster air campaigns– United States sends supplies to Syrian fighters– Syria to require Turks to obtain entry visas– Number of people forced to flee war, violence to hit record in 2015– German […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 17, 2015

Top News: December 17, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Putin says outside force should not decide who rules Syria– Kurdish rebels killed in clashes in Turkey– Iraqi Kurds say repelled ISIS offensive, four Turkish troops wounded – Qatari safari members, including royalty, are abducted in Iraq– US Defense Secretary arrives in Iraq’s Erbil

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 16, 2015

John Kerry on “Regime Change”

By Frederic C. Hof

Speaking in Moscow on December 15, 2015 after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Secretary of State John Kerry said—as part of his prepared statement—that, “the United States and our partners are not seeking so-called ‘regime change,’ as it is known in Syria. What we have said is that we […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 16, 2015

Syria: Stories Behind Photos of Killed Detainees

By Human Rights Watch

(Moscow, December 16, 2015) – Nine months of research reveals some of the human stories behind the more than 28,000 photos of deaths in government custody that were smuggled out of Syria and first came to public attention in January 2014, Human Rights said in a report and accompanying video released today.

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 16, 2015

Top News: December 16, 2015

By SyriaSource

– US Defense Secretary Carter in Iraq to seek new ways to battle ISIS– Syrian troops capture strategic mountain in coastal province; humanitarian aid reaches Homs– German air force runs first refueling mission over Syria– Over 30 civilians dead in suspected Russian raids on Syrian markets; Russia confirms talks on Friday– Amnesty reports mistreatment of […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 15, 2015

Top News: December 15, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Syria regime, allies recapture key air base near Damascus– Free Syrian Army rebels deny Russian support– Kerry calls for common ground with Russia on Syria– Obama vows to hit ISIS harder, says commandos now in Syria– US Defense Secretary seeks more Turkish help against ISIS– Turkey says to take fight to Kurdish militants as […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 14, 2015

Top News: December 14, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Air strikes hit Damascus day after 45 were killed– Russia says Riyadh talks do not speak for entire Syrian opposition; Kerry to Moscow on Tuesday – ISIS-claimed attack kills 16 in Syria’s Homs– Russian destroyer wards off Turkish fishing ship in Aegean– Turkish police, protesters clash in southeast as new curfews declared – Turkey withdraws some […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 14, 2015

Frederic C. Hof’s Remarks to the Syrian American Council, McLean, VA, December 11, 2015

By Frederic C. Hof

I am deeply honored to be with you this evening. Someday, when the New Syria comes about, there will be a roll of honor listing those who really made a difference in making it happen. The Syrian American Council will be high on that roll.

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 11, 2015

Riyadh Conference: The Regime is Unlikely to Accept the Opposition’s Newly Unified Position

By Faysal Itani

On December 10, Syrian opposition groups met in Saudi Arabia in their most serious attempt yet to present a united political front in negotiations to end the conflict in Syria. That the diverse array of opposition groups was able to agree on negotiation terms is an unprecedented sign of unity. However, the hardline group Ahrar […]

Syria
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