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 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
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