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.

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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.

Featured experts

Past events

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.

Content

MENASource

Jan 10, 2025

To help build the new Syria, the US needs to better understand the Kurds and Arabs of the northeast

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Washington should take note of the complexities in the region and not be bound by the past. The security of the entire region is at stake.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

In the News

Jan 9, 2025

Pınar Dost contributed to a piece by eKathimerini on Turkish foreign policy and Syria

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Pelayo quoted in NBC News on Syria’s Ahmed Al Sharaa’s transformation

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Pelayo quoted in Al Araby on Washington’s support for the new Syrian leadership

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Pelayo quoted in The Hill on the Trump’s administration outreach to the new Syrian leadership

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

TURKEYSource

Jan 6, 2025

Assad’s fall has created an opportunity for US-Turkey cooperation

By Rich Outzen

Long a point of discord between Washington and Ankara, developments in Syria present an opportunity to return to cooperation.

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 3, 2025

Dispatch from Damascus: The challenges of rebuilding are becoming clearer in Syria

By Diana Rayes 

Syrians know they will not get what they need to rebuild as a society with one hand tied behind their backs, Diana Rayes writes from Damascus.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Podcast

Jan 2, 2025

A mercenary client collapses

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi sits down with acclaimed author and former CIA analyst, David McCloskey, to discuss the spectacular collapse of a major mercenary client in Syria.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 24, 2024

What role will the Gulf states play in shaping the new Syria?

By Joze Pelayo

Assad’s fall provides an opportunity for the Gulf states to wield significant influence over Syria’s future while adapting to Turkey’s rising prominence.

Crisis Management Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Dec 24, 2024

Postwar Syria could go wrong in many ways. Here’s how the US can help it go right.

By Thomas S. Warrick

The United States must engage in Syria to head off the potential for chaos, terrorism, and another major Middle East war.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Experts

Events