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

Syria: Is There a Political Future for Assad?

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

Syria: Is There a Political Future for Assad?

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

Syria: Is There a Political Future for Assad?

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

Aug 6, 2015

Syria: Is There a Political Future for Assad?

By Frederic C. Hof

News that Iran may submit a Syria peace plan to the United Nations combined with ongoing Syria-related talks between Moscow and Washington brings to the fore the perennial question of Bashar al-Assad, still recognized by the West as presiding over a heap of physical and political wreckage known as the Syrian Arab Republic.

Syria

In the News

Aug 5, 2015

Stein on Whether Turkey is Targeting ISIS or Kurds

By Aaron Stein

Ahram Online quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Aaron Stein on whether Kurdish separatists or ISIS is Turkey’s actual target in recent Syrian assaults:

Syria Turkey

In the News

Aug 4, 2015

al-Kattan in Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Assad Letting Go of Syrian Unity

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Aug 3, 2015

al-Kattan in The Washington Post: Why Haven’t Syrian Banks Collapsed Under Sanctions and War?

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Aug 3, 2015

al-Kattan in The Washington Post: Why Haven’t Syrian Banks Collapsed Under Sanctions and War?

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Aug 3, 2015

Hof on US Efforts to Aid Syrian Rebels

By Fred Hof

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the United States launching armed flights over Syria as part of its anti-ISIS efforts:

Syria Turkey

In the News

Aug 2, 2015

Hof on Why Iran Won’t Give up Syria

By Frederic Hof

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof in an article about why Iran won’t give up on its efforts to support the Assad regime in Syria:

Iran Syria

In the News

Aug 1, 2015

Ricciardone on Kurdish Role in US-Turkey Military Deal

By Francis J. Ricciardone

Vice President and Rafik Hariri Center Director Francis J. Ricciardone joins NPR’s Weekend Edition to discuss how Kurdish militias appear to be sidelined by a new US-Turkey military deal to combat ISIS:

Syria Turkey

SyriaSource

Jul 31, 2015

Syria: Hard Times in ISIL-Free Land

By Frederic C. Hof

The temptation to heap scorn on the US-led “train-and-equip” program seeking to create an anti-Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) Syrian ground force by recruiting Syria rebels will no doubt increase due to the kidnapping (by the Nusra Front) of the commander of the unit into which new trainees have been funneled.

Iran Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2015

Hof on Managing Expectations After Iran Deal

By Frederic C. Hof

The New York Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on why it is naive to think that a nuclear deal with Iran will help resolve other conflicts in the Middle East:

Iran Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Nadia Farra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies

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
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