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

Hellyer Quoted by Politico on Trump’s Syria Policy

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

Hellyer Quoted by Politico on Trump’s Syria Policy

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

Hellyer Quoted by Politico on Trump’s Syria Policy

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

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

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
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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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