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

Is Assad a Stabilizing Factor?

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

Is Assad a Stabilizing Factor?

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

Is Assad a Stabilizing Factor?

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

MENASource

Dec 8, 2014

Is Assad a Stabilizing Factor?

By Frederic C. Hof

As discussion intensifies over the possibility of the United States and Turkey establishing a protected zone in northern Syria, apologists for the Assad regime deploy the usual array of arguments: beware the slippery slope to invasion and occupation; do nothing until the Syrian opposition overcomes its dysfunction and presents an attractive alternative to the regime; […]

Syria

In the News

Dec 4, 2014

Hof on De Mistura’s Freeze Proposal

By Frederic C. Hof

Philadelphia Inquirer quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the freeze proposal plan outlined by special United Nations representative on the Syria crisis Steffan de Mistura: 

Syria

In the News

Dec 4, 2014

Itani on Turkey’s Stance on ISIS

By Faysal Itani

Middle East Monitor quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on strained US-Turkish relations regarding the ongoing crisis in Syria:

Syria Turkey

Article

Dec 4, 2014

Obama needs to act on Syria

By Nicholas Burns

OF ALL the international crises facing President Obama in his final two years in office, how to cope with a burning Iraq and disintegrating Syria may be the most daunting. Syria, especially, is facing the most serious humanitarian crisis in the world today.

Iraq Syria

In the News

Dec 3, 2014

Itani on Arrest of ISIS Leader’s Wife

By Faysal Itani

The Daily Star quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the implications of the arrest of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s wife:

Syria

NATOSource

Dec 3, 2014

Infographic: Details of the Coalition Fighting ISIL

By Jorge Benitez and Gabriel Maletta

Which nations are conducting air strikes in Syria, but not Iraq? Are allies conducting an equal number of the air strikes against ISIL? Which Pacific power is participating in military operations in Iraq? The following chart answers these and many more questions about the international coalition fighting ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

Iraq NATO

In the News

Dec 3, 2014

Hof on New Buffer Zone Proposal in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Syria Deeply quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the buffer zone proposal in Syria and the US containment strategy regarding the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Syria

In the News

Nov 29, 2014

Hof on Chuck Hagel’s ISIS Policy

By Frederic C. Hof

The Economist quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the dismissal of Chuck Hagel from his post as Secretary of Defense:

Syria

In the News

Nov 28, 2014

Itani on Rebel Gains in Syria

By Faysal Itani

The Associated Press quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on recent opposition gains in Syria: 

Syria

MENASource

Nov 26, 2014

Targeting Assad: The Corrosive Split that Sidelined Hagel

By Peter Kirechu

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel resigned the morning of November 24, his exit tied to irreconcilable disagreement with White House leadership on a variety of foreign policy issues of which the administration’s gloved response to Syria’s Assad certainly featured.

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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