Syria

Recent analysis

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

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

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

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

Feb 25, 2025

Kabawat quoted in ABC News on the Kurds’ role in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Kabawat quoted in New You Info on the future of Russian military bases in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Defense Industry Middle East

Economic Statecraft Initiative

Feb 14, 2025

Global Sanctions Dashboard cited by RUSI on Wagner’s business model in Syria and Africa

Read the full article here

Economic Sanctions General Africa

MENASource

Feb 13, 2025

Dispatch from Syria: ‘Syrians cannot focus on their future if they are still drowning in their past’

By Arwa Damon

The pain felt by those searching for clues in the dark void of the former regime’s detention system is palpable, Arwa Damon reports from Syria.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 1, 2025

Pınar Dost contributed to a piece for Amwaj.media, on why Saudi-Turkish collaboration in Syria is more likely than a clash.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 31, 2025

The foreign aid freeze poses risks to US interests in Syria

By Diana Rayes

Postwar Syria faces a precarious economic and security situation and the United States’ assistance—or lack thereof—will play an outsize role in its outcome.

Democratic Transitions Economic Sanctions

Strategic Litigation

Jan 28, 2025

Strategic Litigation Quarterly Newsletter: A look back at 2024

By Strategic Litigation Project

The latest updates on the Strategic Litigation Project's work advancing human rights and accountability.

Afghanistan China

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2025

Syria’s post-Assad honeymoon is over. Now the hard work of state-building begins.

By Sinan Hatahet

The coming months will determine whether Syria’s new era will be a story of renewal or yet another missed opportunity.

Conflict Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jan 17, 2025

Syria’s energy sector and its impact on stability and regional developments

By Brenda Shaffer

An analysis of Syria’s energy resources and infrastructure, and outlook on the future of Syrian energy production and trade.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Jan 16, 2025

Shaffer quoted by BBC on Turkey’s role in Syria’s reconstruction

By Brenda Shaffer

International Markets Middle East

Experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Resident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Marie Forestier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

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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Recent analysis

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

On World Refugee Day, complexities persist for Syrian returnees

Why DDR programs are the missing link to Syrian stability

Explore our Syria work

Syria Project

Syria Strategy Project

Featured experts

Past events

Putin loses in Syria. Is Russia in retreat?

Exploring investment opportunities in northwest Syria

Launching the Syria Strategy Project

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Content

Kabawat quoted in ABC News on the Kurds’ role in Syria

Kabawat quoted in New You Info on the future of Russian military bases in Syria

Global Sanctions Dashboard cited by RUSI on Wagner’s business model in Syria and Africa

Dispatch from Syria: ‘Syrians cannot focus on their future if they are still drowning in their past’

Pınar Dost contributed to a piece for Amwaj.media, on why Saudi-Turkish collaboration in Syria is more likely than a clash.

The foreign aid freeze poses risks to US interests in Syria

Strategic Litigation Quarterly Newsletter: A look back at 2024

Syria’s post-Assad honeymoon is over. Now the hard work of state-building begins.

Syria’s energy sector and its impact on stability and regional developments

Shaffer quoted by BBC on Turkey’s role in Syria’s reconstruction

Experts

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