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

Bakir quoted in Al Arabiya on the effects of Assad’s fall on Iran’s influence

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
Bakir quoted in Al Arabiya on the effects of Assad’s fall on Iran’s influence

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
Bakir quoted in Al Arabiya on the effects of Assad’s fall on Iran’s influence

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

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir quoted in Al Arabiya on the effects of Assad’s fall on Iran’s influence

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir quoted in The Pinnacle Gazette on the effcts of Assad’s fall on Russia and Iran’s regional influence

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Damon joins CNN to discuss the future of Syria after Assad’s fall

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Plitsas quoted in Axios on Biden and Trump’s strategies in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Plitsas in Task and Purpose: What is going on in Syria and what the hell does it mean for US troops?

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Panikoff quoted in the Financial Times on the need for the US to engage with Syria’s new rebel leader

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Panikoff quoted in Harici on the need for the US to engage in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Fontenrose joins CNN to discuss the new Syrian leader meeting British officials in Damascus

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Lipner quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Israel’s worries about Syria

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir joins Al Jazeera to discuss the fate of PKK-linked militias, the YPG, Syria’s future, and Turkey’s new position

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Conflict
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Experts

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia

Staff

Nour Taha

Program Assistant, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management