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 Wall Street Journal on US’ Hesitation in Syria and Russian Relations

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 Wall Street Journal on US’ Hesitation in Syria and Russian Relations

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 Wall Street Journal on US’ Hesitation in Syria and Russian Relations

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

Feb 11, 2016

Itani Quoted by Wall Street Journal on US’ Hesitation in Syria and Russian Relations

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

In the News

Feb 11, 2016

Hof Quoted by The Wall Street Journal on Potential Escalation of Violence in the Middle East

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 11, 2016

Top News: February 11, 2016

By SyriaSource

Russia proposes March 1 ceasefire in SyriaKurdish fighters capture military air base in northern SyriaRussia says US planes bombed Syria’s Aleppo on WednesdayNATO warships ordered to Aegean to help with migrant crisisTurkey’s Erdogan warns patience will run out on Syria

Syria

In the News

Feb 11, 2016

Stein Quoted by Oman Daily Observer on Syria Refugee Flows into Turkey

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Feb 11, 2016

Inside the Sieges

By Frederic C. Hof

Before we launch today’s program, I would like to draw your attention to the latest report of the International Independent Commission of Inquiry. Our subject today is sieges. But on February 3 the Commission of Inquiry submitted to the Human Rights Council a report entitled “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Deaths in Detention in […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 10, 2016

The Consequences of Russian Free Rein in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Give Russian President Vladimir Putin his due: In Crimea and now in Syria he took the measure of potential adversaries and moved decisively. Bureaucratically free of the constraints that would have restricted post-Stalin Soviet leaders and desperately in need of foreign triumphs to distract and entertain the citizenry of a dying but dangerous country, he […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 10, 2016

Slavin in Voice of America: Have Russia and Iran ‘Won’ in Syria?

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran Russia

In the News

Feb 10, 2016

Blanford in Christian Science Monitor: Syrian war: It Took Time, but Russia was Game-Changer for Assad

By Nicholas Blanford

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 10, 2016

Top News: February 10, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Washington hints at a military “Plan B” in Syria if ceasefire fails– Syrian rebels demand US action ahead of peace talks– Kurds attack Syrian air base held by insurgents– Turkey summons US ambassador over Syrian Kurdish forces spat– 500 dead in Syria regime’s Aleppo assault; airstrike hits MSF-supported hospital– Turkish president fires back at […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 10, 2016

Hof in Syria Deeply: The Consequences of Russian Free Reign in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

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
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