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

Brzezinski Quoted by Voice of America on Suspended US-Russia Talks Over Syria

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

Brzezinski Quoted by Voice of America on Suspended US-Russia Talks Over Syria

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

Brzezinski Quoted by Voice of America on Suspended US-Russia Talks Over Syria

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

Oct 4, 2016

Brzezinski Quoted by Voice of America on Suspended US-Russia Talks Over Syria

By Ian Brzezinski

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

UkraineAlert

Oct 4, 2016

Stop Mistaking Russia for Europe

By Andrew Kornbluth

Like a coin inserted into a broken candy machine, the most recent attempt by the United States to broker a ceasefire with the Russians in Syria has vanished with nothing to show for it. Instead, in a calculated gesture of contempt, Russian and Syrian government forces annihilated a humanitarian convoy before beginning an unprecedented round-the-clock […]

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 3, 2016

Hof in The World Post: Putin v. Russia in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 3, 2016

Hof Quoted by ABC News on John Kerry’s Role in Syrian Peace Talks With Russia

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 2, 2016

Ashooh Quoted by Daily News on Russian Military Involvement in Syria

By Jessica Ashooh

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Oct 1, 2016

Stein Quoted by Middle East Eye on Turkish-Backed Forces in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Sep 30, 2016

Farkas Quoted by Associated Press on Russia’s Role in Syria

By Evelyn Farkas

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 30, 2016

Itani Quoted by Vocativ on Russia’s Role in Syrian Ceasefire

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2016

NATO ‘Best Deal’ the United States Has Ever Made

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen warns against placing conditions on defense of allies In a thinly veiled swipe at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former secretary general of NATO, said on September 29 that it is in the United States’ best interests to be the world’s “policeman,” and it […]

Economy & Business Libya

In the News

Sep 29, 2016

Stein Quoted by Guardian on the US Role in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Bahar Ghandehari

Junior Policy Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan English

Fellow

Sinan Hatahet

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Ömer Özkizilcik

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Staff

Jonathan Panikoff

Senior Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Fellow

Amany Qaddour 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society
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