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: January 7, 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: January 7, 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: January 7, 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.

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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

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

In the News

Dec 31, 2015

Alami: Can FSA Get Back on its Feet after Russian Intervention?

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Al Monitor on how the Free Syrian Army is coping with its combat efforts after increased military intervention from Russian forces:

Russia Syria

In the News

Dec 31, 2015

Hof on Syria Ceasefire Plan

By Frederic C. Hof

Reuters quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the challenges of building out a ceasefire plan for the Syria conflict:

Syria

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2015

These Are a Few of Our Favorite…Blog Posts of 2015

Here are some of the Atlantic Council’s most popular blog posts of 2015.

European Union International Organizations

SyriaSource

Dec 23, 2015

Top News: December 23, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Rights watchdog says Russian bombing of Syria may be a war crime– Heavy clashes southwest of Damascus; Syrian activists accuse regime of chemical attack– UN renews attempt to get aid into Syria– Iraqi forces continue push into Ramadi; wave of attacks across Iraq kill 15 civilians– Russia hosts pro-Kurdish leader in Moscow; Lavrov to […]

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Active affiliation

Reem Salahi

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Joumana Seif

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Gareth Stansfield

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Afghanistan Iraq

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia
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