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 1, 2015

Top News: December 1, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Putin meets with Obama to discuss Syria on sidelines of Paris climate conference– Assad accuses France of ‘supporting terrorism’; UK to vote Wednesday on Syria air strikes– Syria denies using chemical weapons in civil war– Syria’s al-Qaeda branch releases captive Lebanese soldiers– Deal reached over last Syria rebel exit from Homs city– Turkey detains […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Dec 1, 2015

The Opposition Remains Resilient as the Regime Adopts New Tactics

By Saleem al-Omar

Aided by Russian air support, the regime has made substantial progress in Aleppo’s southern countryside, and rural areas surrounding Latakia, dealing a blow to the opposition’s resolve. In one recent battle, seven Russian warplanes flew in formation, in contrast to the regime planes that usually fly solo, and pummeled opposition fighters. Once the planes finished, […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 30, 2015

The Churches of Deir Ezzor

By Fikram

Once home to a bustling community of Christians, church bells have not tolled in Deir Ezzor for three and a half years. Whether intentionally or collaterally, regime, the Islamic State (ISIS), and the Nusra Front have destroyed Deir Ezzor’s churches. Now, only memories remain of the city’s four churches and those that attended them.

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 30, 2015

Top News: November 30, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Negotiations seek Syria rebel exit from Homs city– Clashes erupt between Syria Islamists, Kurds– Assad says his enemies boosting support for terrorists– Germany considers sending up to 1,200 troops on Syria mission– Russia-Turkey relations under greater strain as sanctions against Turkey announced– EU, Turkey seek better relations at emergency refugee summit– Iraqi military tells […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 25, 2015

Top News: November 25, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Putin sends air defense missiles to Syria to deter Turkey; Erdogan and Obama seek to ease tensions– Russian raids in Syrian province of Latakia continue after jet downed by Turkey– France, US vow unity against ISIS; Russia says ready to join others in anti-ISIS coalition– Syrian army source says rebels make heavy use of […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 24, 2015

Paris, Sinai, and the State of the ‘Caliphate’

By Faysal Itani

The terrorist attacks that killed scores in Paris and brought down a passenger plane over the Sinai demonstrate a new ISIS tactic and a surprising degree of capability. The operations have been described as an ISIS reaction to the setbacks it is incurring under international and local military pressure in Syria and Iraq. However, there […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 24, 2015

Top News: November 24, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Russian jet shot down near Syria-Turkey border– Russian ground troops engage in Syria; Syrian troops seize territory from ISIS– Global watchdog slams ongoing chemical arms use in Syria– US warplanes destroy 283 fuel trucks in Syria– Turkey’s new government announced– Iran says US plans to divide Iraq

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 23, 2015

Deadlier than Conflict

By Faysal Itani and Lena Abdin

Ten million Syrians do not have enough food to eat, according to Oxfam. Rising food insecurity is a result of regime force and armed group tactics to put pressure on local populations and circumstantial situations outside of any one party’s control. Deliberate or not, civilians are struggling to secure basic staples such as bread and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 23, 2015

Top News: November 23, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Syria troops advance against ISIS in Homs province– Kerry in Abu Dhabi for Talks on Syria peace plan– Assad says Syria troops advancing thanks to Russia strikes– US ground forces traveling soon to Syria– Turkish warplanes pound Kurdish militant targets in southeast Turkey– Iraq closes northern airspace over missiles launched at Syria 

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 20, 2015

Top News: November 20, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Russian strikes in Syria kill more than 1,300 says SOHR– UN votes to condemn Syria over rights violations– Saudi Arabia to host Syrian opposition talks, says state media– Turkey renews plans for Syria safe zone– Turkey seizes 11 million pills of ‘Syria war drug’– Bombings kill at least fifteen in Baghdad

Syria
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