Recent analysis

Has Turkey Become a Distraction in the War on ISIS?

MENASource
Dec 8, 2025

States shouldn’t waste the chance to establish a Syria Victims Fund

By
Kate Springs, Celeste Kmiotek

A centralized fund would better support victims of international law violations in Syria, who face unique challenges.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

Has Turkey Become a Distraction in the War on ISIS?

MENASource
Dec 7, 2025

One year after Assad’s fall, here’s what’s needed to advance justice for Syrians

By
Elise Baker and Ahmad Helmi

The second year of a post-Assad Syria requires structural reform, victim-centered leadership, and international reinforcement.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

Has Turkey Become a Distraction in the War on ISIS?

MENASource
Dec 7, 2025

Syria’s civil society must take center stage in reconstruction

By
Tara Kangarlou and Merissa Khurma

One year since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syria stands to have the most potential to showcase how local ownership can accelerate reconstruction.

Civil Society
Middle East

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.

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Featured experts

Fellow


Ibrahim Al-Assil


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Conflict

Fellow


Sinan Hatahet


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Economic Sanctions

Fellow


Ömer Özkizilcik


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
English

Fellow


Arwa Damon


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Fellow


Diana Rayes 


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Civil Society

Fellow


Amany Qaddour 


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

Expert


Gregory Waters


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

Fellow


Marie Forestier 


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
French

Fellow


Samir Altaqi


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Middle East

Past events

Rebuilding Syria

Dec 20, 2018

Act in haste, repent at leisure

By
Frederic C. Hof

An American president impetuously overrules his national security team with a sudden decision on Syria; one that pleases the Kremlin, undermines US policy, and damages his own credibility. Essentially unmoored to the national security apparatus over which he presides, the president—strongly influenced by the views of a foreign leader—thinks he knows best in any event. […]

Syria

Mon, December 17, 2018 • 1:00 pm ET

The future of US policy in Syria

Conflict
Defense Policy
Disinformation
Human Rights


Rebuilding Syria

Nov 30, 2018

Smart agriculture in Syria

By
Flavius Mihaies

Advanced technological solutions are not limited to technologically advanced societies. Numerous examples in Syria show the use of innovative solutions for real world problems using open source technology: 3D printed prosthetics for amputees, renewable energy in cities under siege, and now aquaponics in damaged farmlands. The use of smart agriculture can help provide for people’s […]

Syria

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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

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2016

Has Turkey Become a Distraction in the War on ISIS?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Turkey is a helpful coalition partner, but Ankara-Baghdad rift puts Iraqi Prime Minister in a tough spot, says Aaron Stein Turkey’s entry into the US-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) last summer was marked by Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish militias—a departure from the coalition’s mission. In November, Turkey shot down […]

Iraq
Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 8, 2016

Top News: January 8, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Aid to reach Syrian town of Madaya by Monday– ISIS militant ‘executes own mother’ in Raqqa– UN envoy in Syria ahead of upcoming peace talks in Geneva– Idlib rebels execute ISIS-linked assassination cell– Top US commander shares Ankara’s concerns over PKK-affiliate PYD– Special forces target ISIS in Hawija, Iraq

Syria

In the News

Jan 7, 2016

Saab on Syria Peace Process amid Iran-Saudi Arabia Tensions

By Bilal Y. Saab

Aljazeera America quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab on how tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are complicating the Syria peace process:

Iran
Saudi Arabia

SyriaSource

Jan 7, 2016

Syrian Christian Perspectives on the War

By Flavius Mihaies

Syrian Christians face the difficult question of how to preserve their communities. The Islamic State (ISIS) and other Islamist groups target Christians for a variety of reasons, including to gain credibility as the implementers of “true” Islam and for economic reasons, forcing Christians to pay higher taxes (Jizya), seizing their property, and even capturing Christians […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 7, 2016

Top News: January 7, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Russian activists say have evidence of Russian cluster bombs in Syria– ‘Dire situation’ in besieged villages in Syria– Syrian army, rebel fire kills 26 around Damascus– Russia reportedly deploying advisors near Palmyra– President Obama says Turkey must withdraw ‘unauthorized’ forces in Iraq– Iraqi Shia militias in mass anti-Saudi protest

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 6, 2016

Top News: January 6, 2016

By SyriaSource

United States sees Assad staying in Syria until March 2017String of attacks kill 20 Syria rebel commandersOPCW reports Syria’s entire chemical arsenal destroyedISIS has lost 30 percent of its territoryFears of more strife for Iraq amid Saudi-Iranian row

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 5, 2016

Top News: January 5, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Russia says ISIS use of chemical weapons likely– United States expects Syria meetings despite Saudi-Iran tensions– Syrian opposition to demand confidence-building moves before talks– Istanbul police raid 16 suspected ISIS locations– Turkey to report to ECHR on curfew southeastern towns– Iraqi fighters killed while thwarting ISIS assault in Anbar

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jan 4, 2016

The Saudi/Iran Break: Politics of Fear in the Gulf

By Richard LeBaron

Saudi Arabia’s decision to break diplomatic ties with Iran represents another chapter in the politics of fear that have dominated Saudi military and diplomatic moves since the ascension of King Salman just shy of a year ago. The fear finds its main source in the Saudi conviction that Iran is intent on displacing it as […]

International Organizations
Iran

SyriaSource

Jan 4, 2016

Top News: January 4, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Arab-Kurd fighters kill 16 ISIS militants near Raqqa– French military says air strikes destroy ISIS missile factory; French jets strike ISIS oil sites– Attack on Iraqi military base kills at least 12; ISIS attacks Ramadi as security forces extend control– Turkey, Israel need each other, Erdogan says

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 4, 2016

Safe Zones and Assurances

By Frederic C. Hof

Three very impressive thinkers—James Dobbins, Philip Gordon, and Jeffrey Martini—recently produced for RAND an essay entitled “A Peace Plan for Syria.” They propose that near-term diplomatic efforts focus not on nationwide governance issues, but on achieving a ceasefire that would ultimately produce three “safe zones”—one for the Assad regime, one for the Kurds, and one […]

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Fellow

Nadia Farra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy
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