Syria

The Syrian conflict that began with nonviolent local protests in 2011 has since evolved into a geopolitical and humanitarian crisis. The devastating military campaign led by the Syrian regime, supported by the Russian and Iranian governments and their proxies has led to mass displacement, arrests, torture, and catastrophic loss of life. Along with other global powers, the United States faces important decisions regarding its future role in Syria. Centering Syrian voices is critical during this period of stabilization as the war-torn country grapples with security, economic, and political challenges amidst ongoing regional and international competition.

Recent analysis

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.

Featured experts

Past events

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.

Content

SyriaSource

Mar 13, 2017

The US Must Hold the Regime Accountable in Reconstructing Syria

By Rashad al-Kattan

Nearly six years of conflict have dramatically altered Syria’s economy. To better understand these changes, SyriaSource interviewed Rashad al-Kattan, a researcher on Syria, about the state of Syria’s economy. His responses give insight into how, even as the Syrian regime is winning on the military front, the long-term economic challenges paint a more complex picture […]

Syria

In the News

Mar 13, 2017

Hof in Defense News: Supporting the Diplomatic End Game in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Mar 12, 2017

Khoury Joins Al Hadath TV to Discuss the United States Sending Troops to Manbij

By Nabeel Khoury

Watch the full interview here.

Syria

In the News

Mar 12, 2017

Hof Quoted by Time on US Military Strategy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Mar 9, 2017

Stein Quoted by the Financial Times on US-Turkey Relations, ISIS, and Raqqa

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Mar 9, 2017

The Manbij Saga: An End-Game in Syria?

By Aaron Stein

The trajectory of the Syrian conflict has changed considerably in recent weeks. The United States, working by, with, and through local ground forces is poised to begin the assault on Raqqa, the Islamic State’s most important urban area in Syria.

Syria Turkey

New Atlanticist

Mar 8, 2017

Jordan’s Six Challenges at the Arab League Summit

By Shehab al-Makahleh

On March 29, Jordan will host the Arab League summit amid chaos across the Middle East.  There is speculation that Russia and Egypt are pressing the Arab League to invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the summit in light of reports that Syrian military officers have visited Jordan and Egypt over the past few weeks. […]

International Organizations Middle East

In the News

Mar 8, 2017

Alami in Al-Monitor: Gulf Countries Take Back Seat on Syria Route

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Mar 8, 2017

Stein Quoted by the Washington Post on the Syrian Conflict

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Mar 8, 2017

Interview with The Young Republic: Local and Regional Activism for Syrians in Europe

By SyriaSource

Mohammed Alsaud is the cofounder and chairman of The Young Republic, an NGO based in Sweden with the aim to support the Syrian youth diaspora with their participation and social inclusion in Europe. SyriaSource interviewed Alsaud on the development of the organization and its successes and challenges.  

Northern Europe Syria

Experts

Events