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

Glimmer of Hope for Yemen, Gloom Elsewhere in the Middle East

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

Glimmer of Hope for Yemen, Gloom Elsewhere in the Middle East

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

Glimmer of Hope for Yemen, Gloom Elsewhere in the Middle East

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

Article

Jun 5, 2015

Glimmer of Hope for Yemen, Gloom Elsewhere in the Middle East

By Barbara Slavin

This week, there were a plethora of events in Washington devoted to deepening understanding of the factors tearing apart Syria, Libya, Iraq and Yemen and threatening the stability of many other countries in the region.

Iran Syria

MENASource

Jun 4, 2015

The Case of Syria

By David Miliband

International Rescue Committee President and CEO David Miliband delivered a commencement speech to the graduating students of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government on May 27, 2015.

Syria

In the News

May 31, 2015

Cohen on Russia’s Role in Iran

By Ariel Cohen

The Jerusalem Post quotes Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Ariel Cohen on why Russia is unlikely to drop its support for the Assad regime:

Russia Syria

In the News

May 28, 2015

Itani on Hezbollah in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Al Arabiya quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Hezbollah’s intervention in Syria and its strategy moving forward:

Syria

In the News

May 22, 2015

Slavin on US Strategy against ISIS on 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 ISIS gains in Iraq and Syria, US strategy to combat ISIS, the declassified files found in bin Laden’s compound, and US politics:

Iraq Syria

In the News

May 21, 2015

Itani on the Expansion of ISIS in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Middle East Eye quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the expansion of ISIS in Syrian and the Syrian residents now under ISIS control:

Syria

In the News

May 21, 2015

Itani on ISIS in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins BBC Newshour to discuss ISIS advances in Syria:

Syria

SyriaSource

May 21, 2015

Syria, You’re On Your Own

By Frederic C. Hof

In his May 19 briefing, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest leveled, in his own peculiar way, with the people of Syria: “… the President feels very strongly that the very significant problems that are faced by people in Syria, for example, are not problems that the United States is going to come in and […]

Iran Syria

In the News

May 21, 2015

Itani on the ISIS Takeover of Palmyra

By Faysal Itani

The Associated Press quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Palmyra’s strategic location and what advantages ISIS will gain from its takeover:

Syria

SyriaSource

May 19, 2015

Syria: What if the Regime Collapses?

By Frederic C. Hof

As noted in the May 18 MENASource article on civilian protection, an administration operationally inert in the face of Bashar al-Assad’s atrocities sees peril if Assad collapses too soon, which is to say nearly four years after President Barack Obama counseled him to step aside.

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Wa’el Alzayat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Lukas Andriukaitis

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Disinformation Eastern Europe

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism
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