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

Unseen Casualties of Syrian Sanctions

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

Unseen Casualties of Syrian Sanctions

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

Unseen Casualties of Syrian Sanctions

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

Mar 22, 2017

Unseen Casualties of Syrian Sanctions

By Rhys Dubin

In a little-noticed news item, on March 8, security forces in Beirut raided several money transfer shops accused of sending upward of $20 million to militant groups in Syria. Lebanese security forces arrested at least six Lebanese nationals and closed 16 stores in several neighborhoods throughout the city.

Syria

In the News

Mar 22, 2017

Castelló-Catchot Quoted by El País on Russia, Turkey, and Syria

By Carles Castelló-Catchot

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

Rebuilding Syria

Mar 22, 2017

The Economic Case for Syria’s Stabilization

By Rashad al-Kattan

It is fairly easy to consider Syria as a hopeless case, as the country seems trapped in a vicious cycle of nihilistic violence and colossal destruction. The economy is now completely shattered and fragmented, with each party building its own independent entities. The systematic – but imbalanced – collapse of economic foundations is seen across […]

Syria

In the News

Mar 21, 2017

Hof Quoted by Foreign Policy on Raqqa and US-Turkey Relations

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

Uncategorized

Mar 21, 2017

US Role in Syrian Reconstruction
Syria

In the News

Mar 21, 2017

Alami in the Middle East Eye: Syria war: The Recent Attacks in Damascus are Only the Start

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Mar 20, 2017

Stein Quoted by Agence France-Presse on Russian-Kurdish Cooperation during Syrian Conflict

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

MENASource

Mar 20, 2017

Turkey Is in a Bind as Syria’s War Approaches its Final Chapter

By Aaron Stein

Russian and American action in Syria is fundamentally at odds with Turkish interests. The two international actors have both backed the People’s Protection Units (YPG), the armed wing of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), in ways that harm Turkish interests. The PYD is the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an insurgent […]

Syria Turkey

In the News

Mar 20, 2017

Alami in the Middle East Eye: ANALYSIS: Hezbollah Enters Drone Age with Bombing Raids in Syria

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Drones Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 20, 2017

Six Years of War: Is Assad Still Relevant?

By Frederic C. Hof

Six years ago, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad betrayed his country by authorizing lethal fire on peaceful protesters. As war in Syria enters its seventh year, the price for the political preservation of one man, one family, and one entourage has been staggering, in Syria and far beyond. Observers numbed by the enormity of a humanitarian […]

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Lesley Chavkin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Nadia Farra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies
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