Syria

Middle East

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

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

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

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

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.

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Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Russia

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

Experts

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia

Staff

Nour Taha

Program Assistant, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

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Issue briefs and reports

Fast Thinking

Dispatches

Inflection Points

UkraineAlert

MENASource

Econographics

Syria

Featured commentary & analysis

The US is sending Syrian asylees back. Syria isn’t ready.

Syria needs a trustworthy digital ecosystem to support its revival

Syria is not Libya, but it could become one if the world looks away

Programs

Syria Project

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Content

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

Kabawat mentioned in Deutsche Welle Arabic on the Syrian National Dialogue

Kabawat joins Angle, Anchor, and Voice to discuss the role of Syrian women in shaping Syria’s future

Kabawat mentioned in Catholic Culture on the committee drafting Syria’s new constitution

Kabawat mentioned in Agenzia Fides on her task in drafting Syria’s new constitution

Kabawat quoted in ABC News on the Kurds’ role in Syria

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.

Experts

Samantha Sultoon

Nour Taha

Beth Van Schaack

Thomas S. Warrick

Gregory Waters

Jon Wilks

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