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

A ‘Band-Aid’ for Syria

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

A ‘Band-Aid’ for Syria

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

A ‘Band-Aid’ for Syria

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

New Atlanticist

Oct 30, 2015

A ‘Band-Aid’ for Syria

By Ashish Kumar Sen

US decision to deploy Special Operations Forces will not change situation significantly, says Atlantic Council’s Frederic C. Hof The Obama administration’s decision to deploy less than fifty US Special Operations Forces to Syria is a significant shift in US strategy, but one that is unlikely to tilt the balance on the ground in a war […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Itani on the Syrian Peace Talks in Vienna

By Faysal Itani

McClatchy DC quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on why no Syrians have been invited to the peace talks in Vienna:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Itani on US Special Forces in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Agence France-Presse quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on President Obama’s announcement that he will be sending US Special Operations forces and additional planes and fighter jets to Syria, and whether it will be enough to make significant gains against ISIS:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Hof on the US Deployment of Special Operations Forces to Syria

By Frederic Hof

McClatchy DC quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on President Obama’s motives to send a small group of US Special Operations forces to assist with on-the-ground operations in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Hof on Fighting ISIS in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the role of US special forces in Syria to assist combating ISIS and their benefits:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Hof on Special Forces in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

US News and World Report quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on US special forces in Syria to fight against ISIS:

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Itani on US Forces in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Al Sharq Alawsat quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the US decision to send special operations forces to Syria:

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 30, 2015

Top News: October 30, 2015

By SyriaSource

US to send special operation forces to SyriaForty dead as Syrian government rockets hit Damascus suburbUnited States backs off hard line on Assad’s future; Iran backs Syria ‘transition’ periodResidents stranded in Syria’s Aleppo cut off by ISIS advanceAnti-ISIS Syrian activists killed in southeastern TurkeyTurkey coordinating to address refugee crisis and security concernsTurkey’s Erdogan says he […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Slavin on Domestic Politics and China

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to moderate a discussion on the Syria talks, China, the new Speaker of the House, and the most recent republican presidential debate:

China Syria

In the News

Oct 30, 2015

Ashooh on Combating ISIS in Syria

By Jessica Ashooh

Middle East Strategy Task Force Deputy Director Jessica Ashooh joins Voice of America to discuss the US decision to send special operations forces into Syria to combat ISIS:

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Bahar Ghandehari

Junior Policy Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan English

Fellow

Sinan Hatahet

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Ömer Özkizilcik

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Staff

Jonathan Panikoff

Senior Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Fellow

Amany Qaddour 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society
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