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

First Development Project in Marginalised Region

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

First Development Project in Marginalised Region

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

First Development Project in Marginalised Region

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

Jul 11, 2016

First Development Project in Marginalised Region

By Khoshman Qado

Shar For Development has launched a first-of-a-kind development project in the north-eastern al-Jazirah plain to lure local investors and limit dependence on international support in the future. (ʿAmuda, al-Hasakah, Syria) The marginalising policies that the region of al-Jazirah has endured for decades have resulted in widespread unemployment, driving a great part of the workforce from the […]

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jul 8, 2016

Putin Seen Out to ‘Destroy’ the European Union

By Mitch Hulse

Russia is exploiting the migrant crisis facing Europe with the goal of destroying the European Union, according to Madeleine K. Albright, a former US secretary of state. “The United States has felt that it is important to talk to the Russians about Syria and try to figure out whether there are places that we can […]

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 8, 2016

Evading the Point

By Frederic C. Hof

A recent editorial in The Los Angeles Times calls for American cooperation with Russia in Syria and, citing the Syria policy dissent memorandum offered by 51 “State Department staffers,” opines that “Frustrating as it may be, exploring the possibility of cooperation with Moscow in Syria is still preferable to trying to oust Assad through U.S. […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 8, 2016

Obstacles the SDF Faces to Liberate Raqqa

By Daryous Aldarwish

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a military campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) at the end of May, aiming to gain control of the northern countryside of Raqqa. This campaign has raised many questions surrounding these forces’ intentions as well as their ability to reach Raqqa and destroy the Islamic State’s presence there. Opposition […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 7, 2016

The Path to US Cooperation with Russia and the Syrian Regime

By Rashad al-Kattan and Hossam Abouzahr

The recent announcement that the United States is willing to cooperate with Russia to target the al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front puts the country one step closer to directly cooperating with the Syrian regime. The US policy to consider the terrorist problem of Nusra and the Islamic State (ISIS) as separate from the larger civil war, […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 7, 2016

Islamic State Torture is Destroying Syrian Society

By Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently

Since its entry into Raqqa, the Islamic State (ISIS) has attempted to spread fear into the hearts of civilians by kidnapping and disappearing activists, journalists, leaders, and members of the Free Syrian Army and opposing Islamist factions.

Syria

In the News

Jul 6, 2016

Hellyer Quoted by Politico on Trump’s Syria Policy

By H.A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 5, 2016

Russia: A Partner in Syria?

By Frederic C. Hof

By all accounts Secretary of State John Kerry is deeply moved by the suffering of the Syrian people and its negative political, economic, and security consequences for American friends and allies in the region and beyond. It would therefore be not at all surprising if reports that he seeks a deal with Russia aimed at […]

Syria

In the News

Jul 3, 2016

Itani Quoted by Inquisitr on Likelihood of Syrian Transition Government

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 1, 2016

Constructive Development Solutions during War: An Interview with Hisham Dirani, Director of Binaa

By Juma Alabdon

Amid the war and the savage bombardment raging today in Syria, Binaa is working on development and construction. Some might say that building and developing in the shadow of destructive bombardment in Syria is illogical. However, Binaa director Hisham Dirani responded to some questions to explain the significance of this work in the current context.

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

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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