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

Building a Syrian National Stabilization Force

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

Building a Syrian National Stabilization Force

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

Building a Syrian National Stabilization Force

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

Aug 7, 2014

Building a Syrian National Stabilization Force

By Frederic C. Hof

The Obama administration’s request for $500 million in fiscal year 2015 money to arm and equip elements of the Syrian opposition has generated confusion and skepticism.

Syria

MENASource

Aug 6, 2014

Syria: “Caesar” and the Way Forward

By Frederic C. Hof

The July 31 testimony of “Caesar,” the former Syrian military police photographer who spirited out of Syria part of the Assad regime’s photographic archive of detainees it has tortured and starved to death, stunned members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Syria

In the News

Aug 5, 2014

Itani on Effects of Syria Civil War on Lebanon

By Faysal Itani

Mashable quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the effects of the war in Syria on Lebanon: 

Syria
Secretary General Anderss Fog Rasmussen, Nov. 6, 2013

NATOSource

Aug 1, 2014

Five Long-Term Challenges for NATO Beyond the Ukraine Crisis

By Karl-Heinz Kamp, NATO Defense College

NATO needs to find consensus on at least five questions which go far beyond the current crisis in Ukraine.

Afghanistan Libya

In the News

Aug 1, 2014

Itani on Syria’s Oil Sector

By Faysal Itani

Anadolu Agency quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on how EU sanctions and damage from the ongoing civil war has brought Syria’s oil sector to near ruin: 

Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2014

Hof on Syrian Army Defector’s Photographs

By Frederic C. Hof

Al-Monitor quotes testimony from Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on atrocities committed by the Syrian regime:

Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2014

Hof on Syrian Torture Pictures

By Frederic C. Hof

Defense News quotes testimony from Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on atrocities committed by the Syrian regime:

Syria

In the News

Jul 31, 2014

Hof on Syrian Regime Atrocities

By Frederic C. Hof

The Daily Beast quotes testimony from Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on atrocities committed by the Syrian regime:

Syria

MENASource

Jul 31, 2014

Poverty and Conflict in the Middle East

By Matthew Timmerman

From its outset, the self-immolation of a crestfallen Tunisian vegetable vendor, the Arab Spring was largely about poverty. Mohamed Bouazizi’s final words before igniting himself and the region were, “How do you expect me to make a living?”

Iraq Middle East
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Jan. 18. 2012

NATOSource

Jul 28, 2014

Special Summit Series: Turkey and NATO

By Ross Wilson

Turkey’s new head of state will participate in the NATO Wales Summit just a few weeks after the country’s first-ever popular vote for president.

Economy & Business Iraq
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Experts

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia

Staff

Nour Taha

Program Assistant, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management