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 Islamic State’s Molding of Syrian Children

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 Islamic State’s Molding of Syrian Children

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 Islamic State’s Molding of Syrian Children

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

Nov 17, 2015

The Islamic State’s Molding of Syrian Children

By Feras Hanoush

ISIS is recruiting a new wave of combatants into its ranks following the joint forces’ advances into Raqqa province and to assert its control over larger swaths of the northern outskirts of Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that between January and August 2015 1,100 children under the age of sixteen have been […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 16, 2015

Vienna II: Civilian Protection Lite

By Frederic C. Hof

The countries and organizations attending the second round of Syria talks in Vienna, now calling themselves the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), gave short shrift in their written statement to those Syrians most in need of their support: the victims—past, present, and future—of the Assad regime’s relentless program of mass homicide. Buried in a pile […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Nov 16, 2015

Top News: November 16, 2015

By SyriaSource

– Two US states shun Syria refugees in wake of Paris attacks– US warplanes strike ISIS oil trucks; US delivers ammunition to Syrians fighting ISIS– After Paris attacks, French jets pound ISIS– Nusra Front kills leader of ISIS affiliate– World powers push timetable for Syria solution– Iraq warned of attacks before Paris assault

Syria

In the News

Nov 15, 2015

Hof on the Need for Action Following the Paris Attacks

By Frederic C. Hof

The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on how the recent Paris attacks might affect US policy toward ISIS:

Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Hof on a Pathway to a Political Settlement in Syria

By Frederic Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof joins BBC World News to discuss the crisis in Syria and how to put Syria on a pathway to a political settlement:

Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Slavin Joins Issues in the News

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss the attack by Kurdish forces on ISIS militants in Syria and Iraq, the elections in Myanmar, Russia’s plan for Syria, and the republican presidential debate:

Iraq Russia

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Janeka on the US Strategy in Syria

By Marri Janeka

Middle East Peace and Security Initiative Assistant Director Marri Janeka joins Estonian Public Broadcasting to discuss Secretary of State John Kerry’s comments on Syria and whether current strategies have been effective at addressing the governance gaps, sectarian issues, and the rise of extremist groups in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Aslund on Russia’s Intervention in Syria and Ukraine

By Anders Aslund

Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center Resident Senior Fellow Anders Aslund joins Voice of America’s Encounter to discuss the implications of Russia’s intervention in Syria and Ukraine:

Russia Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Hof on US Policy against ISIS in Syria

By Frederic Hof

The Atlantic quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the horrors of the Syrian conflict and why ISIS is an easier target in Syria than Iraq: 

Iraq Syria

In the News

Nov 13, 2015

Alami: Are Syria’s Salafi Movements Witnessing a Split?

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Al-Monitor on the creation and implications of Jaish al-Sham:

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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