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

After Mosul?

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

After Mosul?

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

After Mosul?

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

Jun 13, 2014

After Mosul?

By Ramzy Mardini

The United States pulled its remaining troops out from Iraq two and a half years ago, ending a military occupation that lasted almost a decade. The civil war in Syria has become the strategic driver shaping the security dynamics across the Levant, and has breathed new life into militancy in Iraq, rejuvenating the confidence, resources, […]

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jun 12, 2014

Reflections on the Why and How of Syria’s Elections

By Aya Majzoub

The farcical Syrian presidential election, held in the midst of a bloody civil war, is unlikely to radically alter the dynamics on the battlefield inside Syria or convince Assad’s opponents of his democratic legitimacy. However, it would be a dangerous miscalculation to dismiss its significance; a mistake Secretary of State John Kerry recently committed in […]

Syria

MENASource

Jun 12, 2014

For ISIS, Iraq’s Spoils Could Tip Balance in Eastern Syria

By Karen Leigh

Photos depicting militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) driving US-made armored vehicles across the Iraqi border into the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor could prove that the porous border between Iraq and Syria is now an open road for ISIS fighters hoping to establish a Sunni caliphate in the region.

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 12, 2014

Mardini on How Syrian Crisis Affects Iraq Instability

By Ramzy Mardini

CNN quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on how the success of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) has fed into its recent agression in Iraq:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 12, 2014

Hof: “A Course Correction [on Syria] Is Under Consideration”

By Frederic C. Hof

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on the administration’s Syria policy, particularly in light of President Obama’s West Point address on May 28:

Syria

MENASource

Jun 11, 2014

The United States Should Reconsider the Kurds

By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

The United States has opposed Kurdish ambitions in both in Iraq and Syria for more autonomy, citing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Iraqi and Syrian state.

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jun 10, 2014

Syria: Can the United States and Iran Reach an Understanding?

By Frederic C. Hof

Two days of very frank and worthwhile “track two” discussions between senior Iranian and US non-officials recently took place in Europe. Syria was, as it had been in the previous December round of talks, a major topic of discussion.

Syria

In the News

Jun 10, 2014

Hof on US State Department Support for Aiding Syrian Rebels

By Frederic Hof

The New York Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof on how many State Department officials working on Syrian issues believe the United States should be doing more to assist nationalist rebels:

Syria

MENASource

Jun 6, 2014

Lebanon: Being the Daughter of the Resistance

By Hanin Ghaddar

Hanin Ghaddar, the Beirut-based Managing Editor of NOW, recently published an eloquent but hauntingly sad account of the status of Lebanese Shia who disagree publicly with the policies and ideology dictated by the leadership cadre of Hezbollah.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jun 4, 2014

Dispatch: Kurds Prevent Presidential Elections in Northern Syria

By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

On June 3, the Assad regime held presidential elections in the parts of Syria it still controls. In Northern Syria, however, Kurdish security forces confiscated the ballot boxes. Serbest Rezan, responsible for the Kurdish security police in the city of Qamishli, said they confiscated at least 120 polling stations.

Syria
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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