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

Turkey-Russia Relationship Will Survive Russian Ambassador’s Assassination

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
Turkey-Russia Relationship Will Survive Russian Ambassador’s Assassination

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
Turkey-Russia Relationship Will Survive Russian Ambassador’s Assassination

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

New Atlanticist

Dec 19, 2016

Turkey-Russia Relationship Will Survive Russian Ambassador’s Assassination

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey on December 19, while a tragic incident, is unlikely to have a significant impact on the diplomatic relationship between Moscow and Ankara that has been forged over priorities in Syria, according to two Atlantic Council analysts. “This incident, in theory, could be a pretext for the Russians […]

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Dec 19, 2016

Analysis: The Fall of Rebel-Held Aleppo Is a Warning to Others Who Oppose Assad

By Annia Ciezadlo

For moderate, unarmed rebels, as well as anyone wanted by the government, the rapid and brutal offensive to retake east Aleppo is a sign of what’s to come elsewhere in Syria.

Syria

In the News

Dec 19, 2016

Itani Quoted by Bloomberg on the UN Resolution on the Aleppo Evacuation

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 19, 2016

Stein Quoted by the New York Times on Turkey and Russia’s Roles

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Dec 19, 2016

Khoury in the Cairo Review of Global Affairs: The Fall of Aleppo

By Nabeel Khoury

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 19, 2016

Ashooh Joins KQED to Discuss Evacuations from Eastern Aleppo

By Jessica Ashooh

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 18, 2016

Hof Quoted by the Los Angeles Times on How Russian Intervention Affected US Actions in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 18, 2016

Itani Quoted by the Associated Press on the Syrian-Rebel Held Province Idlib

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 17, 2016

Itani Quoted by Newsweek on What the Fall of Aleppo Means for Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Dec 16, 2016

Castello-Catchot Joins Univision to Discuss the Crisis in Aleppo

By Carles Castello-Catchot

Watch the full interview here.

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Wa’el Alzayat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict
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