Middle East

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.

Syria’s civil society must take center stage in reconstruction

By Tara Kangarlu 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.

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.

All West Bank annexation proposals are illegal—and put core international principles at risk

By Elise Baker

States agreed to respect territorial integrity because they knew the deadly consequences of wars of aggression and annexation.

How Syria’s grassroots civil peace committees can help prevent intercommunal conflict

By Gregory Waters and Kayla Koontz

Syria’s local civil peace committees offer an important model for dealing with the country’s deeply rooted social divisions.

Welcome to the front lines of climate change

By Peter Engelke

Climate-intensified disasters are on the rise. The goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is slipping out of reach. Nation states can't seem to coordinate the aggressive action needed to cut emissions. One solution? Let cities lead.

Atlantic Council Regional Conference on Energy and Infrastructure

The region’s premier biennial forum shaping the future of energy, infrastructure, and strategic cooperation.

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.