Syria

The Syrian conflict that began with nonviolent local protests in 2011 has since evolved into a geopolitical and humanitarian crisis. The devastating military campaign led by the Syrian regime, supported by the Russian and Iranian governments and their proxies has led to mass displacement, arrests, torture, and catastrophic loss of life. Along with other global powers, the United States faces important decisions regarding its future role in Syria. Centering Syrian voices is critical during this period of stabilization as the war-torn country grapples with security, economic, and political challenges amidst ongoing regional and international competition.

Recent analysis

Itani Quoted by Inquisitr on Likelihood of Syrian Transition Government

MENASource
Dec 8, 2025

States shouldn’t waste the chance to establish a Syria Victims Fund

By
Kate Springs, Celeste Kmiotek

A centralized fund would better support victims of international law violations in Syria, who face unique challenges.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

Itani Quoted by Inquisitr on Likelihood of Syrian Transition Government

MENASource
Dec 7, 2025

One year after Assad’s fall, here’s what’s needed to advance justice for Syrians

By
Elise Baker and Ahmad Helmi

The second year of a post-Assad Syria requires structural reform, victim-centered leadership, and international reinforcement.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

Itani Quoted by Inquisitr on Likelihood of Syrian Transition Government

MENASource
Dec 7, 2025

Syria’s civil society must take center stage in reconstruction

By
Tara Kangarlou and Merissa Khurma

One year since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syria stands to have the most potential to showcase how local ownership can accelerate reconstruction.

Civil Society
Middle East

Explore our Syria work

Syria Project

Our work on Syria sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Syrians to fulfill their desire for democratic self-governance as the United States and the international community grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, millions of refugees across the Middle East and Europe, and ongoing security and political challenges spilling over Syria’s borders.


Group of world leaders sitting around table set up.

Syria Strategy Project

The Atlantic Council, Middle East Institute, and European Institute of Peace collaborate with subject matter experts and policymakers in the US, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to sustainably forge a pathway to resolving Syria’s crisis.

LEARN MORE

Featured experts

Fellow


Ibrahim Al-Assil


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Conflict

Fellow


Sinan Hatahet


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Economy & Business

Fellow


Ömer Özkizilcik


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
English

Fellow


Arwa Damon


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Fellow


Diana Rayes 


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Fellow


Amany Qaddour 


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Fellow


Nadia Farra


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity
Defense Technologies

Expert


Gregory Waters


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

Fellow


Marie Forestier 


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
French

Fellow


Samir Altaqi


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Middle East

Past events

Online Event
Thu, June 16, 2022 • 10:00 am ET

From Syria to Ukraine: Russia’s continued attacks on healthcare in conflict

Europe & Eurasia
Human Rights
International Norms
International Organizations

Online Event
Mon, November 22, 2021 • 4:30 am ET

Transnational narcotics networks: Challenges in Lebanon, Syria, and Afghanistan

Afghanistan
Lebanon
Middle East
Syria

Events

Mar 17, 2021

Salahi joins the Rome 2021 MED Dialogue to discuss the Syrian quagmire


Human Rights

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

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

In the News

Jul 1, 2016

Itani Quoted by Bloomberg on the Future of Syrian Peace Talks

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jul 1, 2016

Stein Quoted by Financial Times on Turkey’s Role in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jul 1, 2016

Farkas Joins MSNBC to Discuss America’s Role in Syria

By Evelyn Farkas

Syria

SyriaSource

Jul 1, 2016

A Telling US Outreach to Russia in Syria

By Faysal Itani

As recently as a few weeks ago the United States had repeatedly rejected strategic cooperation with Russia in Syria. Now it is reportedly proposing a limited partnership there, in which the United States would share intelligence and coordinate attacks with Russia against the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. In return, Russia will compel the Assad regime to […]

Syria

In the News

Jul 1, 2016

Itani Quoted by The Telegraph on US Syria Strategy

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria United States and Canada

In the News

Jun 30, 2016

Hof Quoted by Rare on Russia and the United States in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 29, 2016

What the Suicide Bombings in al-Qaa Tell Us about Terrorist Tactics in Lebanon

By Mona Alami

On Monday June 27, Eight suicide bombings struck the predominantly Christian town of al-Qaa on the Lebanese border with Syria. Lebanese security officials believe the attacks to be the work of the Islamic State (ISIS), though the terrorist organization has not claimed responsibility. Whether or not ISIS is responsible, the attacks reflect a shift in […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 28, 2016

Stein Quoted by Foreign Policy on ISIS’ Failure to Claim Responsibility for Istanbul

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

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

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict
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Events

Public Event Mon, April 20, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET

The future of Iraq-Syria relations
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria