Recent analysis

Wechsler quoted in Washington Post on the US role in Syria

New Atlanticist Dec 17, 2024

Dispatch from Damascus: Celebrations and concerns as a new Syria takes shape

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Syrians in Damascus are celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, but that joy is mixed with concern for how the country’s new leaders will govern.
Conflict Crisis Management
Wechsler quoted in Washington Post on the US role in Syria

MENASource Jun 20, 2025

On World Refugee Day, complexities persist for Syrian returnees

By Sinan Hatahet

While Syria’s political shift brings new hope, it also highlights the complex realities that still define the Syrian landscape.
Middle East Migration
Wechsler quoted in Washington Post on the US role in Syria

MENASource Jun 10, 2025

Why DDR programs are the missing link to Syrian stability

By Muhsen al-Mustafa

With the end of Western sanctions, Syria faces a rare opportunity to address the imbalances of the post-conflict period.
Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Explore our Syria work

Syria Project

Our work on Syria sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Syrians to fulfill their desire for democratic self-governance as the United States and the international community grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, millions of refugees across the Middle East and Europe, and ongoing security and political challenges spilling over Syria’s borders.

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Syria Strategy Project

The Atlantic Council, Middle East Institute, and European Institute of Peace collaborate with subject matter experts and policymakers in the US, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to sustainably forge a pathway to resolving Syria’s crisis.

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Featured experts

Former fellow

Qutaiba Idlbi

Former Resident Senior Fellow, Syria

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economic Sanctions Entrepreneurship

Fellow

Michel Duclos

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Crisis Management

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Ömer Özkizilcik

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Sinan Hatahet

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economic Sanctions

Former fellow

Hind Kabawat

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Past events

Online Event Thu, December 19, 2024 • 12:30 pm ET

Putin loses in Syria. Is Russia in retreat?
Conflict Europe & Eurasia Middle East Russia
Online Event Tue, May 21, 2024 • 10:30 am ET

Exploring investment opportunities in northwest Syria
Conflict Economic Sanctions Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Event Recap

Mar 29, 2024

Launching the Syria Strategy Project

By JP Reppeto and Charles Johnson

On March 18, 2024, the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, the Middle East Institute’s Syria Program, the European Institute of Peace, and Madaniya Civil Society Network launched the Syria Strategy, an intensive process of engagement with subject matter experts and policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to […]

Civil Society Conflict
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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

In the News

Aug 26, 2022

Wechsler quoted in Washington Post on the US role in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 4, 2022

Russia is forming an alliance of pariah states in the Middle East. It might put Israel in an awkward situation in Syria. 

By Ksenia Svetlova

For lack of other options, Russia is opening to Iran and is preparing to establish a new alliance of pariah states with the Islamic Republic—to the detriment of Jerusalem.

Europe & Eurasia Israel

In the News

Jul 25, 2022

Sales quoted in Fox News on a potential Turkish invasion of Syria

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

UkraineAlert

Jul 15, 2022

Killer in the Kremlin: New book explores Vladimir Putin’s bloody reign

By John Sweeney

British journalist John Sweeney's new book "Killer In The Kremlin" offers a chilling portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a menace to global security whose entire reign has been marked by death and destruction.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Jun 29, 2022

Nia quoted in Insider on human rights abuses in Russian attacks in Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jun 21, 2022

This organization is helping Syria’s LGBTQI community. Here’s how.

By Jennifer Bailey and Francois Zankih

Guardians of Equality Movement and other organizations and groups like it are a promising indicator for renewable development.

Human Rights Middle East

In the News

Jun 16, 2022

Qaddour quoted in Arab News on how the UN cross-border expiration in Syria will cause a mass humanitarian crisis

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Politics & Diplomacy

TURKEYSource

Jun 7, 2022

With Lavrov in Turkey, a different war may dominate talks

By Rich Outzen

The Russian and Turkish foreign ministers could discuss Ankara's intent to carry out a new operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

Conflict Russia

In the News

May 24, 2022

Slavin quoted in The New Arab on how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is strengthening Iran’s influence in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Extremism

In the News

May 6, 2022

Blanford in CS Monitor: The Syria-Israeli peace deal that almost was: A diplomat looks back

By Atlantic Council

International Norms Israel
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Experts

Fellow

Joumana Seif

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism