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

Missing a Syria Strategy?

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

Missing a Syria Strategy?

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

Missing a Syria Strategy?

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

SyriaSource

Jun 21, 2017

Missing a Syria Strategy?

By Frederic C. Hof

The Trump administration stands accused by some commentators of having entered into an escalating military situation in eastern Syria without the benefit of an objectives-based strategy. The truth or falsity of the accusation can best be judged by President Trump, National Security Advisor McMaster, Secretary of Defense Mattis, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 21, 2017

Alami in Al-Monitor: The Geopolitics Behind Race for Eastern Syria

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 21, 2017

Itani in the Atlantic: The U.S. Enters a New Phase in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 20, 2017

Stein Quoted by Al-Monitor on the Role of the Kurdish Militants in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 20, 2017

Fried Joins NPR’s Morning Edition to Discuss Rising Tensions Between the US and Russia in Syria

By Daniel Fried

Listen to the full interview here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Jun 20, 2017

Stein Quoted in Al-Monitor on Status of Kurds after U.S. Shoots Down Syrian Jet

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 19, 2017

Stein Quoted in Al-Monitor on U.S.-Syrian Tensions

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 19, 2017

Itani Joins PBS to Discuss Fallout from U.S. Strike on a Syrian Jet

By Faysal Itani

Listen to the full broadcast here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 19, 2017

Hof Quoted in New York Times on Russia’s Warnings to the U.S. After Syrian Airstrike

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

New Atlanticist

Jun 19, 2017

Macron’s Putin Policy: ‘Firmness Without Provocation’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

French President Emmanuel Macron would like to work with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to seek mutually acceptable solutions to crises that have bedeviled ties between the West and Russia over the past few years, France’s ambassador to the United States, Gérard Araud, said in an Atlantic Council phone briefing on June 19. […]

France Russia
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Experts

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Active affiliation

Reem Salahi

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Joumana Seif

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Gareth Stansfield

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Afghanistan Iraq

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia
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