Recent analysis

Pelayo quoted in NBC News on Syria’s Ahmed Al Sharaa’s transformation

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
Pelayo quoted in NBC News on Syria’s Ahmed Al Sharaa’s transformation

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
Pelayo quoted in NBC News on Syria’s Ahmed Al Sharaa’s transformation

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

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Resident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

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

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
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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

Jan 7, 2025

Pelayo quoted in NBC News on Syria’s Ahmed Al Sharaa’s transformation

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Pelayo quoted in Al Araby on Washington’s support for the new Syrian leadership

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Pelayo quoted in The Hill on the Trump’s administration outreach to the new Syrian leadership

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

TURKEYSource

Jan 6, 2025

Assad’s fall has created an opportunity for US-Turkey cooperation

By Rich Outzen

Long a point of discord between Washington and Ankara, developments in Syria present an opportunity to return to cooperation.

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 3, 2025

Dispatch from Damascus: The challenges of rebuilding are becoming clearer in Syria

By Diana Rayes 

Syrians know they will not get what they need to rebuild as a society with one hand tied behind their backs, Diana Rayes writes from Damascus.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Podcast

Jan 2, 2025

A mercenary client collapses

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi sits down with acclaimed author and former CIA analyst, David McCloskey, to discuss the spectacular collapse of a major mercenary client in Syria.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 24, 2024

What role will the Gulf states play in shaping the new Syria?

By Joze Pelayo

Assad’s fall provides an opportunity for the Gulf states to wield significant influence over Syria’s future while adapting to Turkey’s rising prominence.

Crisis Management Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Dec 24, 2024

Postwar Syria could go wrong in many ways. Here’s how the US can help it go right.

By Thomas S. Warrick

The United States must engage in Syria to head off the potential for chaos, terrorism, and another major Middle East war.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Dec 21, 2024

A US blueprint for Syria’s fragile transition

By Sana Sekkarie

As long as HTS is willing to evolve and accept constructive criticism, the US should engage with the group. Ignoring Syria’s new leaders will not make them go away.

Civil Society Crisis Management

Inflection Points Today

Dec 21, 2024

The Middle East’s shifting balance of power favors Turkey and Israel

By Frederick Kempe

Syria’s future is uncertain after the fall of the Assad regime, but already it’s clear that two neighboring countries are big winners.

Conflict Israel
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Experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Resident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Staff

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

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
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