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

Syria: False Election, True Critique

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

Syria: False Election, True Critique

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

Syria: False Election, True Critique

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 4, 2014

Syria: False Election, True Critique

By Frederic C. Hof

Yesterday, June 3, was make-believe election day in that part of Syria where Iran props up Bashar al-Assad as president-in-name of a broken Syrian Arab Republic. A shoe brush entrepreneur and a tamed communist dutifully played their assigned roles as ballot alternatives to Mr. Assad, albeit with open, deferential reverence toward the man who has […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 3, 2014

Mardini: Assad is Here to Stay

By Ramzy Mardini

The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the recent Syrian presidential elections:

Syria

In the News

Jun 3, 2014

Hof: The United States Faces Stark Choices in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof writes for the Daily Star on what choices the United States faces regarding its foreign policy strategy in Syria:

Syria

In the News

Jun 3, 2014

Slavin on New Zogby Poll

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al-Monitor on a new Zogby poll that indicates that a majority of Arabs support President Obama’s opposition to greater US intervention in Syria:

Syria

MENASource

Jun 3, 2014

A Renewed Case for a Syria Tribunal

By Ryan J. Suto

Last month, China and Russia predictably vetoed a French UN Security Council proposal to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Without Syria’s ratification of the Rome Statute, the Security Council is the only body that can refer investigation of the conflict to the ICC.

Syria

In the News

Jun 2, 2014

Ward: There’s No Obama Doctrine. Period.

By Alex Ward

Brent Scowcroft Center Program Assistant Alex Ward writes for The Diplomat on President Obama’s foreign policy–or the lack thereof:

Syria

MENASource

Jun 2, 2014

Syria: Keeping it Simple

By Frederic C. Hof

The complexity of Syria’s ongoing crisis and confusion over what to do about it should not obscure the choice facing the United States, its allies and its partners.

Syria

MENASource

Jun 2, 2014

The Kurds and the Future of Assad

By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

President Bashar al-Assad’s recent victories in Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus could pose a threat to Kurdish gains in the future. In the run-up to the Syrian presidential elections taking place on June 3, clashes increased between Kurds and government. If the stalemate continues, the Kurds will benefit, but if one side wins—either Assad, or the […]

Syria

In the News

Jun 1, 2014

Hof on Upcoming Syrian Presidential Elections

By Frederic C. Hof

Reuters quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s likely victory in his country’s upcoming elections:

Syria

In the News

May 30, 2014

Itani: Is the US Inadvertently Helping Hezbollah?

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani writes  for The Hill on how well-intentioned policy by the United States may actually be harming the situation in Syria:

Middle East 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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