Syria

Recent analysis

MENASource Nov 21, 2025

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

By Merissa Khurma and Giorgio Cafiero

The decision is a shift in the country’s alignment—from Russian and Iranian spheres of influence to one in NATO and GCC regional orbits.

Democratic Transitions Middle East

MENASource Sep 24, 2025

Is a new era of Turkey-Syria economic engagement on the horizon?

By Ömer Özkizilcik and Levent Kemal

The convergence of Turkey’s and the Gulf’s economic strategies in Syria presents an opportunity for Washington.

Democratic Transitions Middle East

MENASource Sep 17, 2025

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

By Marie Forestier

As the indirect electoral process begins, Syrian officials could take several steps to increase women’s chances in this process.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

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.

LEARN MORE

Featured experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Sinan Hatahet

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economic Sanctions

Fellow

Ömer Özkizilcik

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Arwa Damon

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

Fellow

Amany Qaddour

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

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Fellow

Marie Forestier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Past events

Public Event Mon, September 19, 2022 • 5:30 am ET

Safeguarding victims and witnesses in atrocity crime trials: A call to courts and governments

Americas Human Rights International Organizations Iran

Online Event Thu, June 16, 2022 • 10:00 am ET

From Syria to Ukraine: Russia’s continued attacks on healthcare in conflict

Europe & Eurasia Human Rights International Norms International Organizations

Online Event Mon, November 22, 2021 • 4:30 am ET

Transnational narcotics networks: Challenges in Lebanon, Syria, and Afghanistan

Afghanistan Lebanon Middle East Syria

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 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

MENASource

Jan 15, 2025

As a new Syria takes shape, Iraq will need to recalibrate its role in the Middle East

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government must navigate several challenges, recalibrate its role in the region, and balance its foreign relations—including with the United States

Crisis Management
Democratic Transitions

Experts

Fellow

Marie Forestier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Fellow

Nadia Farra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies

Share

Recent analysis

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

Is a new era of Turkey-Syria economic engagement on the horizon?

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

Explore our Syria work

Syria Project

Syria Strategy Project

Featured experts

Past events

Safeguarding victims and witnesses in atrocity crime trials: A call to courts and governments

From Syria to Ukraine: Russia’s continued attacks on healthcare in conflict

Transnational narcotics networks: Challenges in Lebanon, Syria, and Afghanistan

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Content

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

As a new Syria takes shape, Iraq will need to recalibrate its role in the Middle East

Experts

Oops...

It looks like we're having a technical issue.