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 the Christian Science Monitor on Qatar’s role in the Middle East

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 the Christian Science Monitor on Qatar’s role in the Middle East

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 the Christian Science Monitor on Qatar’s role in the Middle East

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 the Christian Science Monitor on Qatar’s role in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir quoted in Caliber on the consequences of the fall of Assad for Russia and Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Fulton quoted in the Taipei Times on the limits of China’s Middle East policy after the fall of Assad

By Atlantic Council

China Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Katz in the Kyiv Post: Can Putin really keep Russia’s bases in Syria?

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir in Middle East Eye: Israel’s attacks on Syria threaten regional stability and will ultimately backfire

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir in Anadolu Ajansi: The Iran-led narcotics empire: Syria’s Captagon trade unveiled

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir quoted in The New Arab on the future of Turkey and Israel in the new Syria

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir joins Al Jazeera to discuss the challenges facing the new Syrian administration

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir joins CGTN to discuss how the new Syrian administration’s challenges

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Kather and Klamberg in OpinioJuris: Justice for the Yazidis in the Ishaq Case by the Stockholm District Court – Part I

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Amany Qaddour 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Active affiliation

Reem Salahi

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Joumana Seif

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Gareth Stansfield

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Afghanistan Iraq
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