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

Itani Quoted by The Telegraph on US Strategy 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

Itani Quoted by The Telegraph on US Strategy 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

Itani Quoted by The Telegraph on US Strategy 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.

LEARN MORE

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

Jun 21, 2016

Itani Quoted by The Telegraph on US Strategy in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 21, 2016

Itani Joins Voice of America to Discuss Syria Policy Discontent and the Implications for the US Presidential Election

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 20, 2016

A Possible (and Unusual) Russian Attack on US Allies

By Faysal Itani

US officials repeatedly say that United States and Russia share the goal of defeating the Islamic State (ISIS). Why then has Russia apparently attacked the New Syrian Army (NSA)—a US-armed and trained force whose sole purpose is fighting ISIS? And how can the United States salvage its ability to recruit local partners against the extremist […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 20, 2016

Hof in Foreign Policy: A Humanitarian Intervention in the West Wing

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 19, 2016

Itani Quoted by AFP on State Department Memo Condemning Obama’s Disentanglement Policy in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 17, 2016

Frederic C. Hof’s Statement on State Department Internal Memo Critical of Obama Administration Policy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

WASHINGTON, DC – On June 16, 2016, The New York Times reported that more than fifty State Department diplomats had signed an internal memo critiquing the Obama administration’s Syria policy. The New York Times was provided a draft of the memo, which urges air strikes against the Assad regime in Syria. In response, Ambassador Frederic C. Hof, director of the […]

Syria

Press Release

Jun 17, 2016

Frederic C. Hof’s Statement on State Department Internal Memo Critical of Obama Administration Policy in Syria

By Atlantic Council

WASHINGTON, DC – On June 16, 2016, The New York Times reported that more than fifty State Department diplomats had signed an internal memo critiquing the Obama administration’s Syria policy. The New York Times was provided a draft of the memo, which urges air strikes against the Assad regime in Syria. In response, Ambassador Frederic C. […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 17, 2016

Hof Quoted by Washington Examiner on Obama’s Syria Policy

By Frederic Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 17, 2016

Hof Quoted by New York Times on Kerry’s Opinion of State Department Syria Dissent Letter

By Frederic Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jun 17, 2016

Hof Quoted by Christian Science Monitor on Open Letter to the Obama Administration on Strategy Towards Syria

By Frederic Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria
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Experts

Staff

Nour Taha

Program Assistant, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management