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

Top News: February 23, 2016

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

Top News: February 23, 2016

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

Top News: February 23, 2016

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

SyriaSource

Feb 23, 2016

Top News: February 23, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Experts identify new cases of Syria chemical attacks– UN says major powers feeding ‘military escalation’ in Syria– UK, Turkey, Assad, and opposition skeptical over ceasefire – Assad sets April 13 for parliamentary elections – Russia, with Turkey in mind, announces big weapons deal with Armenia

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 22, 2016

Cynicism and Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

As noted repeatedly in these pages, Secretary of State John Kerry has spared no effort to reduce violence, increase humanitarian aid, and promote negotiations for political transition in Syria. That he does so with leverage amounting to a smile and a shoeshine is not his fault. That he relies totally on the goodwill, decency, and […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 22, 2016

Hof Quoted by the New Yorker on Implementing the Syrian Ceasefire

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Feb 22, 2016

Hof Quoted by Reuters on Humanitarian Aid to Syria During the Ceasefire

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Feb 22, 2016

Hof Quoted by New York Times on US and Russia Strategy in Syria During the Ceasefire

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 22, 2016

Top News: February 22, 2016

By SyriaSource

– ISIS bombings kill nearly 130 people in Syria– Kerry and Lavrov reach provisional deal on ceasefire– Extremists cut government supply route to Syria’s Aleppo– Kurdish militant group TAK claims responsibility for Ankara car bomb

Syria

In the News

Feb 22, 2016

Ashooh in New York Times: Provide Opposition Groups in Syria With Anti-Aircraft

By Jessica Ashooh

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Feb 22, 2016

Rosenblum in Politico: It’s Time for Safe Zones in Syria

By Todd Rosenblum

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Feb 21, 2016

Hof Quoted by Business Insider on Russian Military Strategy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Feb 21, 2016

Hof Quoted by The Hill on US and Kurdish Fighters in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Lesley Chavkin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Arwa Damon

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
Load More