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

Education in Idlib: The Kids Aren’t Alright

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

Education in Idlib: The Kids Aren’t Alright

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

Education in Idlib: The Kids Aren’t Alright

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 7, 2016

Education in Idlib: The Kids Aren’t Alright

By Tirwada Abd al-Haqq

There is no effective difference between the Syrian state and some of forces engaged in conflict in Syria, despite the different names which they’ve given themselves: the regime in power, revolutionaries, armed opposition, Islamist factions, and so on. Each is trying to hold the country hostage, and none are blameless when it comes to the […]

Syria

In the News

Sep 6, 2016

Hof Joins NPR to Discuss the Civilian Cost of the Syrian Conflict

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 5, 2016

Cohen Joins VOA Russia to Discuss the Crisis in Syria

By Ariel Cohen

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 5, 2016

Hellyer Quoted by The Telegraph on the British Peers and Priests that Met with Assad

By H.A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 5, 2016

al-Kattan in War on the Rocks: Decisive Military Defections in Syria: A Case of Wishful Thinking

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 4, 2016

Hof Quoted by the New York Times on the Lack of Discussion of Syria in the Presidential Election

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 1, 2016

Hof Quoted by CNN on the Impact of the War on Syria’s Children

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Sep 1, 2016

Slavin Quoted by Rare on the Situation in Syria

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 1, 2016

Where Does It End?

By Frederic C. Hof

At least one senior US government official strongly disagrees with the view expressed by this writer that it is the Iran factor—the desire to achieve and protect the nuclear deal—that has stayed the hand of President Obama from using limited military means to protect Syrian civilians from Assad regime atrocities: mass homicide that has had […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 1, 2016

The Art of Burial During War

By Hikmat al-Habbal

In Syria, another tragedy begins after death. People who went out on the streets to change the status quo are surprised at how burial methods have changed and Syrians’ rituals around death are disappearing.

Syria
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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

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict
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