Syria

Syria

Syria stands at a pivotal juncture as it charts a path following the fall of the Assad regime. Syria’s new government faces the task of rebuilding a shattered economy and establishing state institutions capable of managing a diverse and war-affected population. A durable US-Syria partnership depends on sustained cooperation across reconstruction, governance, and Syria’s reintegration.

Featured commentary & analysis

Hof Quoted by The Washington Post on Syrian Activist Facing Deportation Over Conferences in Turkey

MENASource
Jul 1, 2026

The US is sending Syrian asylees back. Syria isn’t ready.

By
Diana Rayes 

The US Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the Trump administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status programs crates a troubling global precedent.

Migration
Syria

Hof Quoted by The Washington Post on Syrian Activist Facing Deportation Over Conferences in Turkey

MENASource
May 4, 2026

Syria needs a trustworthy digital ecosystem to support its revival

By
Nadia Farra

Robust digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and cybersecurity are no longer luxuries for high-income nations but fundamental requirements for national stability and economic resilience.

Freedom and Prosperity
Inclusive Growth

Hof Quoted by The Washington Post on Syrian Activist Facing Deportation Over Conferences in Turkey

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

Programs

Syria Project

The Syria Project advances policy engagement and international partnerships during a pivotal political transition. It serves as a leading platform for independent analysis and high-level dialogue on US-Syria relations, economic recovery, governance, and regional reintegration, leveraging deep networks across Washington, Damascus, and the broader Middle East.

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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 29, 2017

Hof Quoted by The Washington Post on Syrian Activist Facing Deportation Over Conferences in Turkey

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 29, 2017

ISIS after Raqqa

By Feras Hanoush

On June 6, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the launch of the battle to liberate Raqqa from the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh). The battle for Raqqa, which is the main stronghold of ISIS in Syria, was announced concurrently with the SDF capturing wide areas in Raqqa countryside in preparation to laying […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 29, 2017

Operation Successful, Patient Dead

By Frederic C. Hof

For the past several years, this writer has resisted joining the “It’s too late to do anything about Syria” chorus. That resistance is, at long last, breaking down, at least with respect to what is happening in eastern Syria. We are now reaping the whirlwind for a misconceived policy that has given the precious gift […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 29, 2017

Slavin in Just Security: A Clash in Syria Could Jeopardize the Iran Nuclear Deal and More

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 28, 2017

Stein Quoted by ARA News on Turkish-backed Group’s Intent to Take Syrian Cities from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Jun 27, 2017

The Chemical Exception

By Frederic C. Hof

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2017 Statement from the Press Secretary The United States has identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that would likely result in the mass murder of civilians, including innocent children. The activities are similar to preparations the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 26, 2017

Syria: Policy Made in Tampa?

By Frederic C. Hof

Last week the US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman for the anti-ISIS (ISIL, Daesh, Islamic State) coalition announced what seemed to be a major clarification of American policy in Syria. Referring to a Syrian town on the Iraqi border, Colonel Ryan Dillon said the following: “If they [Assad regime forces] want to fight ISIS in Abu […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 26, 2017

Hof Quoted by the National on US Strategy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 24, 2017

Haid Quoted by Middle East Eye on U.S.-Syria Tensions

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 23, 2017

Lawlessness in Syria’s Regime-Held Areas and the Future of Governance in Syria

By Saleem al-Omar

Lawlessness is a major problem in Assad regime-held Syrian cities, especially those on the coast. This is despite the large number of security agencies that control those areas, along with armed militias that commit daily abuses against civilians and government institutions—violations the government ignores as it relies on the militias’ continued support. Such lawlessness raises […]

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Wa’el Alzayat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

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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