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

Nov 13, 2015

Vienna II: From Hope to Reality

By Dan DePetris

In a November 11 interview with The Washington Post, British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond explained the psychology that underwrites the negotiations to end the Syrian civil war. “You get people together,” Hammond said, “you force them to make some forward movement, keeping them at it, keeping their noses to the grindstone, keep them in a […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 13, 2015

Kerry on Strategy

By Frederic C. Hof

Speaking for the better part of an hour at the US Institute of Peace on November 12, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry sought to bring his listeners “up to speed” on the Obama administration strategy to defeat and dismantle the Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, or Da’esh), end Syria’s civil war, and support “friends in […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 12, 2015

Top News: November 12, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Opposition oppose Russia’s draft proposal; Iran says resolution should not focus solely on Assad– At least 100 fighters killed in Syria during storming of besieged airbase– UN launches app to help feed Syrian refugee children– Turkey’s Erdogan puts Syria, Iraq on G20 leaders’ agenda– Seven children among fourteen dead in migrant boat sinking off […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 10, 2015

Between Regime Brutality and Society’s Cruelty

By Khaled Rawas

“I will not forgive him, nor will I let God’s mercy descend onto him,” uttered a woman activist working to support rape victims at a secret humanitarian organization in Damascus. The activist leveled this charge not against the regime and its Shabiha militias—which use this most cruel weapon of war systematically to intimidate, suppress, and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 10, 2015

Top News: November 10, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Next round of Syria talks in Vienna on Saturday– Clashes near Syrian base besieged by ISIS– Militants shell Syrian city of Latakia– ICRC works to avoid massive water crisis in Aleppo– Turkey detains eighteen al-Qaeda suspects, days before G20– Turkey’s Erdogan calls for new constitution, reform in next four years– Attacks kill at least […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 9, 2015

A Problem from Hell: Dealing with the Crisis in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Remarks of Ambassador Frederic C. Hof to the American Committees on Foreign Relations in Boise, Idaho, on November 9, 2015.

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 9, 2015

The Army of Conquest Advances in the Shadow of Russian Warplanes

By Saleem al-Omar

In late March 2015, armed groups opposing to the Assad regime gathered to plan for the liberation of the Idlib in northern Syria. The groups included the Al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham al-Islamiyya, Sham Legion, Jund al-Aqsa, and the Sunna Army, most of whom are considered jihadist forces. They formed Jaysh al-Fatah (Army of […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 9, 2015

Top News: November 9, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Pentagon chief says more US troops possible in Syria; US to launch refugee screening centers– Iran plans to attend next round of Syria talks, demands identifying terrorist groups– ISIS frees thirty-seven kidnapped Syrian Christians – France hits ISIS oil facility in Deir Ezzor; Russian air strikes kill eleven civilians in Idlib– Syrian children in Turkey […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 6, 2015

Top News: November 6, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Syrian rebels recapture village from regime forces in western Syria; Russia, Turkey discuss Syria– Mustard gas used in Syria in August– Russian air strikes kill forty-two in Raqqa– Turkish police detain twenty ISIS suspects; Crackdown on Gulen continues

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 5, 2015

Keeping Vienna on Track

By Frederic C. Hof

If the Vienna Joint Communique of October 30, 2015 is to spur progress toward peace and political transition in Syria, the United States and its partners must first devise and agree upon a comprehensive collective strategy. With all respect to the dogged creativity of Secretary of State John Kerry, the administration’s eagerness for a deal […]

Syria