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

Dec 11, 2015

Top News: December 11, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Islamic State oil is going to Assad, some to Turkey, U.S. official says– Kurds report ISIS bombs kill 50 people in northern Syrian town– Kerry says “kinks” in Syrian opposition framework– UN aid chief to visit Syria over the weekend– Putin urges military to destroy threats to forces in Syria– Over 600 migrants seized […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 10, 2015

Top News: December 10, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Saudi FM says Assad must leave or be forced out; Gulf rulers back “political solution” for Syria– Moscow announces trilateral Syria talks in Geneva on Friday– Syria Kurd-Arab coalition creates political wing– Turkey promises legal status to Muslim minority community– ISIS destroys bridge as Iraqi forces close in on Ramadi– Turkey, Iraqi Kurdish leaders […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 9, 2015

The Personal Choice between Emigrating from and Staying in Syria

By Zaina Erhaim

The choice to emigrate from Syria is a difficult one for Syrians. Despite the war and oppressive rule of extremist groups such as the Islamic State, leaving Syria means braving the unknown and feeling one has abandoned his friends and country. Karam, who asked to only be identified by his first name, said, “I am […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 8, 2015

Top News: December 8, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Russia says too early to confirm Syria talks in New York– Suspected US-led Syria raids kill dozens of civilians– Syrian opposition seeks unified front in Riyadh; Kurds plan summit after exclusion from meeting– UNICEF appeals for $1.1 billion for Syria, neighboring countries– Turkey halts troop deployment to Iraq but will not withdraw– Iraqi forces […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 7, 2015

President Obama and the Terrorist Threat

By Frederic C. Hof

On Sunday evening, December 6, President Barack Obama attempted to assure Americans that he is applying the right array of tools to keep the citizenry as safe as might reasonably be expected from terrorism in a country featuring easy access to military-grade weaponry and a tiny percentage of the population willing to commit mass casualty […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 7, 2015

Top News: December 7, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Obama tells the nation terrorist threat to US is ‘evolving’ but beatable– Assad says Britain’s Syria strikes “illegal”– Fabius: Assad’s departure not necessary before political transition– Syria accuses US-led coalition of killing regime troops– Aid reaches Syrian rebel-held area of Homs– Nusra fighters surrender to regime in south Syria– Turkey slams Russian Bosphorus provocation– […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 4, 2015

Top News: December 4, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Germany approves anti-ISIS military action in Syria; French president to visit aircraft carrier off Syria – US reportedly preparing airbase in northeastern Syria– Syria opposition to meet next week in Riyadh– Pressure mounting on Dutch to join Syria air strikes– ‘Nothing new’ from Russia-Turkey talks on downed fighter jet– Nearly 3,000 migrants detained in four […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 3, 2015

Top News: December 3, 2015

By SyriaSource

– UK begins Syria air strikes after parliament vote– Kerry calls for Syrian, Arab ground troops against ISIS– Russia-Syria prepare for Idlib battle; FSA coalition launches new offensive in the south– Syrian opposition figures accept Saudi invite to attend Riyadh conference– Russia, Turkey trade accusations over who bought oil from ISIS– Germany considering sending aircraft […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 2, 2015

Boots on the Ground: Slowly, Slowly

By Frederic C. Hof

President Obama long ago articulated very clearly his anti-Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, or Da’esh) objective: degrade and destroy it. When it became clear that the November 13 attacks in Paris had been planned in ISIL’s Syria headquarters, it was reasonable to assume that the operational emphasis would shift from degrade to destroy, that the United […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 2, 2015

Top News: December 2, 2015

By SyriaSource

– US sending new special ops force to Iraq to fight ISIS; Abadi says foreign troops not needed– Kerry says NATO members ready to step up anti-ISIS fight– Cameron urges UK parliament to back bombing of ISIS in Syria– Russia says it has proof of Turkey’s involvement in ISIS oil trade– Germany says every EU […]

Syria