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

The YPG-PKK connection

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
The YPG-PKK connection

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
The YPG-PKK connection

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

MENASource

Jan 26, 2016

The YPG-PKK connection

By Aaron Stein and Michelle Foley

In mid-July 2012, the Syrian government withdrew its forces from a large amount of territory along the Turkish border. This move allowed the Democratic Union Party (PYD), a Kurdish nationalist group linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—a US- and Turkish-designated terrorist group—to take administrative and military control over the self-declared cantons of Efrin, Kobani […]

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jan 25, 2016

Hof in Huffington Post: Geneva: Throwing the Hail Mary Pass

By Frederic Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 25, 2016

Top News: January 25, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syria opposition to meet Tuesday, blames Russia for ‘obstacles’– Syrian government retakes rebel towns in Latakia province– Russia says it has no plans to set up another base in Syria– US Vice President Biden visits Istanbul to discuss regional developments– Saudi envoy comments on Iraq’s Shia militias draw hostile reactions– Czechs to send guns, […]

Syria

In the News

Jan 25, 2016

Hof Quoted By Business Insider On US Policy Toward ISIS In Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Jan 25, 2016

Burrows Joins KCRW to Discuss the Future of US Diplomacy in Syria

By Mathew J. Burrows

Listen to the full story here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 22, 2016

Civilian Protection in Syria: Portal to Political Progress

By Frederic C. Hof

A consistent theme hammered home in these pages for years has been that the protection of civilians in Syria is the sole portal through which progress toward peace and political transition can be achieved. The Kremlin has and continues to regard this issue with contempt—under its current management, it sees widespread civilian terror, death, and […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 22, 2016

Top News: January 22, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Syrian Kurds say must be represented at Geneva talks – EU official says Syria losses may force ISIS leaders to move to Libya– Syria court sentences Assad cousin to 20 years for murder– Aid airdrops to Syria’s besieged are called too dangerous – Iraq to start Mosul offensive against ISIS in first half of 2016 – Turkey […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 21, 2016

Will Geneva Happen? Should it?

By Frederic C. Hof

Two years ago delegations representing the Syrian opposition and government met in Geneva, purportedly to negotiate peace. The master of ceremonies at the time, UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, had a bad feeling going in about the prospects for success—reservations that events would fully justify. He had been asked to convene the meeting in spite […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 21, 2016

Top News: January 21, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Kerry says there will be no ‘fundamental delay’ in Syria talks – France says air strikes against ISIS will accelerate– United States, France condemn Russia’s role in Syria– Turkey plans operation in Syria as part of international movement to dismantle ISIS– Hundreds of army trainers needed for Mosul recapture

Syria

In the News

Jan 21, 2016

Hof Quoted By The New York Times On Syrian Peace Talks

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

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

Fellow

Lukas Andriukaitis

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Disinformation Eastern Europe

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism
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