Recent analysis

Stein Quoted in the Wall Street Journal on U.S. Strike of Syrian Aircraft

New Atlanticist
Dec 17, 2024

Dispatch from Damascus: Celebrations and concerns as a new Syria takes shape

By
Ömer Özkizilcik

Syrians in Damascus are celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, but that joy is mixed with concern for how the country’s new leaders will govern.

Conflict
Crisis Management

Stein Quoted in the Wall Street Journal on U.S. Strike of Syrian Aircraft

MENASource
Jun 20, 2025

On World Refugee Day, complexities persist for Syrian returnees

By
Sinan Hatahet

While Syria’s political shift brings new hope, it also highlights the complex realities that still define the Syrian landscape.

Middle East
Migration

Stein Quoted in the Wall Street Journal on U.S. Strike of Syrian Aircraft

MENASource
Jun 10, 2025

Why DDR programs are the missing link to Syrian stability

By
Muhsen al-Mustafa

With the end of Western sanctions, Syria faces a rare opportunity to address the imbalances of the post-conflict period.

Middle East
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Explore our Syria work

Syria Project

Our work on Syria sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Syrians to fulfill their desire for democratic self-governance as the United States and the international community grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, millions of refugees across the Middle East and Europe, and ongoing security and political challenges spilling over Syria’s borders.


Group of world leaders sitting around table set up.

Syria Strategy Project

The Atlantic Council, Middle East Institute, and European Institute of Peace collaborate with subject matter experts and policymakers in the US, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to sustainably forge a pathway to resolving Syria’s crisis.

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Featured experts

Former fellow


Qutaiba Idlbi


Former Resident Senior Fellow, Syria

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economic Sanctions
Entrepreneurship

Fellow


Michel Duclos


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict
Crisis Management

Fellow


Arwa Damon


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Fellow


Ömer Özkizilcik


Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
English

Fellow


Sinan Hatahet


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Economic Sanctions

Former fellow


Hind Kabawat


Former Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Fellow


Diana Rayes 


Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Past events

Online Event
Thu, December 19, 2024 • 12:30 pm ET

Putin loses in Syria. Is Russia in retreat?

Conflict
Europe & Eurasia
Middle East
Russia

Online Event
Tue, May 21, 2024 • 10:30 am ET

Exploring investment opportunities in northwest Syria

Conflict
Economic Sanctions
Economy & Business
Financial Regulation


Event Recap

Mar 29, 2024

Launching the Syria Strategy Project

By
JP Reppeto and Charles Johnson

On March 18, 2024, the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, the Middle East Institute’s Syria Program, the European Institute of Peace, and Madaniya Civil Society Network launched the Syria Strategy, an intensive process of engagement with subject matter experts and policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to […]

Civil Society
Conflict

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Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

In the News

Jun 18, 2017

Stein Quoted in the Wall Street Journal on U.S. Strike of Syrian Aircraft

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 16, 2017

The Perilous Race for Post-ISIS Syria

By Faysal Itani and Ali Marhoon

Iran and its proxies have already begun to shape post-ISIS Syria, and eastern Syria is the most important theater. Yet recent events show that Iranian-backed forces advancing there will inevitability collide with two hostile forces, and compete with one of them. The first lies south in the al-Tanf border area, where US special forces and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 15, 2017

To defeat extremism, protect civilians

By Frederic C. Hof

The fight in Syria is far from easy and far from over. Yet if there is any inclination at all by coalition forces to do no harm (or as little as possible) in the pursuit of ISIS criminals, the protection of civilians must figure prominently in the anti-ISIS military campaign.

Syria

In the News

Jun 15, 2017

Itani Quoted in CNBC on Why Trump Attacks Iran for Supporting Assad

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 15, 2017

How Russia Can Secure the De-Escalation Zones in Syria

By Neil Hauer

In the month since the Russian-sponsored “de-escalation” agreement went into effect in Syria, continued outbreaks of violence and the dismal track record of previous cease-fire deals have raised doubts over whether warring factions will comply with the truce.

Syria

Rebuilding Syria

Jun 14, 2017

Amid continued instability, why are states investing in Syria?

By Reema Hibrawi

As the Syrian conflict escalated, preemptive plans to rebuild the country started as early as 2012. The United Nations and IMF estimate between $100-200 billion is currently needed to bring Syria back to its pre-war GDP. However, with the central government weak and trying to reestablish its legitimacy internationally, for other countries it is also […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 14, 2017

The Regime’s Current Strategy to Ending the Revolution

By Ghaith al-Ahmad

The Syrian regime and its allies did not hesitate to use military force to suppress the popular uprising that began in March 2011, nor have they hesitated to obstruct the negotiations taking place in Geneva under the umbrella of the United Nations to reach a political solution that would end the crises affecting the Middle […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 14, 2017

The Life and Death of a Dedicated Syrian Minesweeper

By Wisam Franjiyeh

Ahmad Muhammad al-Na’sani was haunted by thoughts of his death long before he died. As a volunteer land mine removal expert in Aleppo’s countryside, he felt his life would end every time he discovered an explosive device. After destroying nearly 3,500 explosives, al-Na’sani, known as Abu al-Fadl, was killed on May 8 while taking apart […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 12, 2017

Stein in War on the Rocks – The Trouble with TANF: Tactics Driving Strategy in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 9, 2017

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham is Evolving into a ‘Neo-Qaeda’

By Mona Alami

In the past year, the Nusra Front, the former al-Qaeda affiliate and now known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has gone through a fast, complex evolution. This has paved the way for the emergence of a ‘neo-Qaeda,’ one that is specific to Syria, pragmatic and aggressive, and struggling between its political ambitions and jihadist identity.

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Resident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Amany Qaddour 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Lukas Andriukaitis

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Disinformation Eastern Europe

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism
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