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

Who Will Succeed Al-Adnani?

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

Who Will Succeed Al-Adnani?

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

Who Will Succeed Al-Adnani?

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

SyriaSource

Sep 20, 2016

Who Will Succeed Al-Adnani?

By Feras Hanoush

The death of Abu Muhammad al-Adnani al-Shami, official spokesperson of ISIS, on August 30 dealt a harsh blow to the organization. Al-Adnani was killed in international coalition airstrikes while in the city of al-Bab in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, for the significant role he played in the Islamic State (ISIS) since the organization was […]

Syria

In the News

Sep 20, 2016

Wyne in The National Interest: Counterfactuals Won’t Solve Syria

By Ali Wyne

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 19, 2016

Itani Quoted by Bloomberg on Turkish Military in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 19, 2016

Ashooh Quoted by Voice of America on Reasons for a Failed Syrian Ceasefire

By Jessica Ashooh

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 19, 2016

Itani Quoted by Bloomberg on Turkey’s Role in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Sep 18, 2016

Itani Quoted by Time on How a Mistaken US-Led Air Attack Could End the Syria Ceasefire

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 16, 2016

Long Read: Game of Shrines and the Road to Darayya

By Annia Ciezadlo

As the Syrian government and its allied militias evacuate mostly Sunni populations from rebel-held areas, sectarian narratives are filling the vacuum.

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 16, 2016

Factbox: Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act

By Brittany Keroack

On July 12, 2016, Representative Eliot Engel of New York introduced H.R. 5732, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2016. This bill uses sanctions to put pressure on the Syrian government and anyone supporting it to stop committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Syrian government, empowered with support from Iran and Russia, […]

Syria

In the News

Sep 16, 2016

Itatni Quoted by Foreign Policy on Mourning the Syria That Might Have Been

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, September 14, 2016

NATOSource

Sep 15, 2016

Juncker Calls For a Europe that Defends

By Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission

A Europe that protects is a Europe that defends – at home and abroad.

European Union France
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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

Fellow

Lukas Andriukaitis

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Disinformation Eastern Europe

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism
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