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

May 8, 2025

From rubble to rebirth: A model for Syria’s reconstruction

By
Mahmood Alhosain

Almost six months since Assad regime collapse, four key pillars will determine whether this new Damascus can seize the opportunity.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions


MENASource

Apr 29, 2025

Why the US must not let Syria slip away

By
Luke Wagner

Reconsidering the uneasy US-Syria relationship amid reports that Trump and al-Sharaa will meet during the US president’s Saudi Arabia visit.

Economic Sanctions
Middle East


MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

Israel is making a miscalculation in southern Syria. Here is why.

By
Ömer Özkizilcik

Israel’s approach in southern Syria risks deepening sectarian divisions, eroding the Druze community’s standin, and fueling broader instability.

Conflict
Defense Policy


MENASource

Mar 31, 2025

Western sanctions against Damascus must evolve—Just as Syria has

By
Sinan Hatahet

The US can play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Syria’s recovery by shifting its approach from maximum pressure to calibrated influence.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy


MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

Dispatch from Bekaa: Inside the sectarian skirmishes on the Syria-Lebanon border

By
Nicholas Blanford

Local Shia tribesmen have battled an assortment of Sunni jihadist militias and the new Syrian security forces dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

English
Lebanon


MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Inside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s diplomatic offensive with Syria’s Christians and Ismailis

By
Gregory Waters

HTS’s diplomatic offensive demonstrates the leadership’s political approach, which evolved over years of engaging with the Christian and Druze communities in Idlib.

Democratic Transitions
Freedom and Prosperity


MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Why the United States must bridge the Iraq-Syria divide

By
Sarkawt Shamsulddin

With leverage over both capitals, the United States emerges as the linchpin in delicate diplomatic moment between Baghdad and Damascus.

English
Iraq


MENASource

Mar 18, 2025

Landmark SDF-Damascus deal presents opportunity, and uncertainty, for Turkey

By
Ömer Özkizilcik

Despite positive signals, critical ambiguities remain in agreement between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

English
Middle East


MENASource

Mar 10, 2025

Syria’s women face a new chapter. Here’s how to amplify their voices.

By
Diana Rayes , Hind Kabawat

It is critical for women to be involved in transitional justice and constitutional reform processes in Syria.

Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Syria


MENASource

Feb 26, 2025

Why post-Assad Syria complicates the Iran-Turkey rivalry

By
Giorgio Cafiero

Depending on what unfolds after Assad’s fall, there could be reason to expect a degree of Iran-Turkey alignment in Syria.

Crisis Management
Democratic Transitions

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