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

Oct 29, 2015

The West’s Reaction to Syria’s Atrocities is Inaction

By Frederic C. Hof

Frederic C. Hof, Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center, delivered an address on October 28 at the British Parliament. His remarks highlight the courage of one Syrian, known as Caesar, who smuggled out photographs of the Syrian government’s mass killings, in hopes that the West would respond and stop the horrors that are happening. […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 29, 2015

Top News: October 29, 2015

By SyriaSource

Increased strikes kill thirty-five in Syria hospitalsFour-way Syria talks begin in Vienna; Syria criticizes Saudi ArabiaChina, Germany call for political solution in Syria; Russia opposes resolution on barrel bombsMonitoring group reports Russian raids in Syria’s south for first timeTurkey marks 92nd Republic Day amidst deep political, social strainMembers of Iraq’s ruling coalition threaten to withdraw […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 28, 2015

Top News: October 28, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Iran to join international Syria talks– ISIS advances on regime town in north Syria– Syria war costs oil industry over $50 billion – UN programs struggle to meet needs of Syrian refugees– Iraq says did not ask for US ground operations– ISIS behind October 10 Ankara massacre, says Turkey’s chief prosecutor

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 28, 2015

Iran and the Syrian Political Transition

By Frederic C. Hof

Whether or not Iran will accept an invitation to Syria-related discussions in Vienna this Friday with the United States, Russia, and others remains unknown, at least to the Department of State spokesman. Clearly Iran is a “stakeholder” in the Syrian conflict and a party vitally interested in that conflict’s outcome. Given its deep and abiding […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 27, 2015

Top News: October 27, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Obama weighs moving US troops closer to front lines in Syria, Iraq– Russians, Iranians killed in Syria– ISIS blows up columns in Syria’s Palmyra while executing three captives– France hosts Syria talks on Tuesday– UN says 120,000 displaced in Syria in October– Oman minister meets Assad to discuss conflict– Turkey fires at Kurdish forces […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 27, 2015

Ends and Means in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

With well over four-million refugees and roughly double that number internally displaced, Syria is an apt subject for the question, ‘How much worse can it get?’ The answer is much worse. With Russia now engaged militarily in an attempt to create for Syrians and the world a purely binary choice between two horrific criminal enterprises—the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 26, 2015

Considering the Prospects for a Kurdish Alliance with Russia in Syria

By Daryus al-Darwish

Russia’s recent intervention in the Syrian crisis will create new circumstances to which the Kurdish forces must respond and adopt a position. Whatever the Kurds decide will alter the current equation and ultimate outcome of the Syrian crisis.

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 26, 2015

Top News: October 26, 2015

By Syria Source

– France to present UN resolution banning use of Syrian barrel bombs– Russia says it wants Syria elections, ready to help Free Syrian Army– New FSA alliance formed in southern Syria; Syrian regime battles ISIS for Aleppo supply line– United States, Saudi Arabia to bolster support for moderate Syrian opposition– Nine killed in raid on ISIS cell in Turkey– Suicide bomber […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 23, 2015

Kissinger and Haass on Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Two of the top foreign policy minds gracing the American scene—Henry Kissinger and Richard Haass—have weighed-in thoughtfully on Russia’s military intervention in Syria: what it means, where it may go, what (if anything) useful might be made of it.  One need not agree with all of their respective observations and prescriptions to appreciate fully the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 23, 2015

Top News: Russia, US, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia seek solution to Syrian war in Vienna

By Syria Source

US Secretary of State John Kerry opened talks in Vienna on Friday with his Russian, Saudi, and Turkish counterparts aimed at reviving a moribund effort to end Syria’s civil war. Kerry began a day-long series of meetings in the Austrian capital by consulting with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, and Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun […]

Syria
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