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

Slavin Quoted by Voice of America on Iran’s Role in 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

Slavin Quoted by Voice of America on Iran’s Role in 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

Slavin Quoted by Voice of America on Iran’s Role in 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

Sep 13, 2016

Slavin Quoted by Voice of America on Iran’s Role in Syria

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran Syria

In the News

Sep 12, 2016

Itani Quoted by VOA on Syrian Ceasefire

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 12, 2016

Re-engineering the Population: the Syrian Regime’s Policy to Eliminate the Opposition

By Hosam al-Jablawi

In light of the ongoing war, the conflict approaching the city of Hama, and the increasing displacement of people from the countryside, the regime has adopted a policy of re-engineering the population to ensure a base of popular support in city centers. This policy exacerbates the suffering of people currently living in the Hama region, […]

Syria

In the News

Sep 11, 2016

Itani in The National: The Imperfect World of the New Deal on Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 11, 2016

Farkas Quoted by Bloomberg on the US-Russian Operation in Syria

By Evelyn Farkas

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 11, 2016

Taylor Quoted by Arab Weekly on US-Turkey Relationship

By Andrea Taylor

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Sep 10, 2016

Frederic C. Hof and Faysal Itani’s Joint Statement on US-Russia Agreement for Syria

By Frederic C. Hof and Faysal Itani

If, in the end, Russian air strikes in Syria are subjected to an American veto, the Assad regime is kept from striking civilian neighborhoods, and significant aid flows resume to opposition areas, something of great value will have been accomplished. Nothing good can happen politically in Syria unless civilians are removed from the Assad regime […]

Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 10, 2016

Farkas Joins BBC World Service to Discuss the US-Russia Syria Deal

By Evelyn Farkas

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 10, 2016

Itani Quoted by Los Angeles Times on US-Russia Deal

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Sep 10, 2016

Itani Quoted by Washington Post on Ceasefire in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria United States and Canada
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Experts

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

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia
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