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 5, 2015

Top News: November 5, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Russia sent missile systems to Syria, personnel force grows to 4,000 – Pentagon welcomes advance by ISIS-fighting allies in Syria– Rebels seize military base in western Hama– Water crisis leaves Damascus residents thirsty– Kurdish rebels end unilateral ceasefire declaration– Turkey agrees access to Cyprus army zone graves in search for missing– Former Iraqi Environment Minister […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 4, 2015

ISIS’s Malice for the People of Deir Ezzor

By Fikram

If one wishes to live safely in Deir Ezzor, he must swear allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS). ISIS grants those who pledge their loyalty lucrative pensions and salaries, the best living accommodations, and favorable treatment, allowing said individuals to do what they want and come and go as they please—even after ISIS sealed the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 4, 2015

Top News: November 4, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Syrian government troops retake Aleppo supply route from ISIS– Russia calls for consensus on opposition group designations in Syria– Russian air strikes killed twenty-three civilians, say Syrian activists– Turkey detains nine ISIS suspects planning suicide attacks– Turkey’s President Erdogan says new constitution should be priority– Iraqi leaders attend funeral of invasion backer Chalabi

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 3, 2015

Flash Point: Syrian Regime Says ‘Transitional Period’ Is Only in the Minds of Those Who Do Not Live in Reality

By SyriaSource

According to a Reuters report, Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has rejected the concept of a Syrian political transition underlying the June 2012 Geneva Final Communique and the more recent Vienna Joint Communique issued only days ago. Mekdad told Syrian state television during a visit to Tehran, “We are talking about a national dialogue […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 3, 2015

Top News: November 3, 2015

By SyriaSource

– UN panel head prepares for Syria gas attacks probe– UN envoy urges Syria ceasefires– Iran says may quit Syria talks over spat with Saudi; Russia trying for talks in Moscow– Turkey detains fifty-seven linked to Gulen– Turkish jets strike Kurdish targets in northern Iraq– Iraq parliament bars Abadi government from passing reforms unilaterally

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 2, 2015

In the Wake of Syrian Refugees

By Piroz Perik

European countries have absorbed a large number of Syrian refugees to meet the growing demand for a safe haven. Refugees face massive challenges in transit and destination countries. Refugees who decide to make the trek to Europe risk their lives, often departing without preparing for the journey’s challenges. They put themselves at the mercy of […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 2, 2015

Top News: November 2, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Syria rebels using caged captives as human shields– EU gives 28 million euros to Syrian refugees in Jordan; US pledges $100 million to rebels– ISIS overruns town in central Syria– Syria Kurdish-Arab alliance launches first anti-ISIS attack– Turkey returns to single-party rule in boost for Erdogan– Turkish, US air strikes kill more than fifty ISIS militants in Syria

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 2, 2015

The Vienna Joint Communique: Way Forward or Death Warrant?

By Frederic C. Hof

The clearest indicator that the October 30th meeting in Vienna on Syria may have fallen short of a substantive breakthrough was State Department spokesman John Kirby’s awkward attempt to sell the meeting’s communique as an improvement over what was agreed by the Permanent Five members of the United Nations and others in Geneva over three […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 30, 2015

Civil Society is a Force that Threatens the Enemies of Democracy—Bashar al-Assad and Islamic Factions

By Nouriddin Abdo

Despite their best efforts, pro-democracy groups in Idlib and Aleppo, provinces with a strong opposition presence, have failed in their repeated attempts to create a strong, civil administrative system in the vacuum left by the Assad regime. The challenges these pro-democracy groups face vary significantly between the two provinces. Nonetheless, the greatest threat to a […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 30, 2015

Top News: October 30, 2015

By SyriaSource

US to send special operation forces to SyriaForty dead as Syrian government rockets hit Damascus suburbUnited States backs off hard line on Assad’s future; Iran backs Syria ‘transition’ periodResidents stranded in Syria’s Aleppo cut off by ISIS advanceAnti-ISIS Syrian activists killed in southeastern TurkeyTurkey coordinating to address refugee crisis and security concernsTurkey’s Erdogan says he […]

Syria