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

Nia quoted in The Guardian on Syrian and Iranian officials human rights violations and their potential war crime cases to ICC

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
Nia quoted in The Guardian on Syrian and Iranian officials human rights violations and their potential war crime cases to ICC

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
Nia quoted in The Guardian on Syrian and Iranian officials human rights violations and their potential war crime cases to ICC

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

In the News

Feb 28, 2022

Nia quoted in The Guardian on Syrian and Iranian officials human rights violations and their potential war crime cases to ICC

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Feb 24, 2022

Syria has a water crisis. And it’s not going away.

By Aurora Sottimano and Nabil Samman

The current water crisis wasn’t entirely unexpected. Profound changes to Syria’s hydrology have been taking place for decades due to mismanagement, climate change, economic growth, intensified water use, and heightened competition for water across international boundaries.  

Energy & Environment Middle East

In the News

Feb 17, 2022

Nia quoted in Radio France Internationale on legal accountability for war crimes in Syria at The Hague

By Atlantic Council

French International Norms

In the News

Feb 17, 2022

Nia quoted in the Middle East Eye on accountability efforts for Syrian civil war and Iran’s contribution to war crimes

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Human Rights

In the News

Feb 17, 2022

Qaddour joins What Are You Going To Do With That to discuss the experience of being an immigrant and her lessons from policy and research

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Middle East

Report

Feb 16, 2022

Energy and geopolitics in the Eastern Mediterranean

By Charles Ellinas

Fossil fuel development in the Eastern Mediterranean is both laden with promise and fraught with tension. Member states of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) have established joint ventures for exploration and drilling, pipeline building, and LNG export across the region, creating an international web of proposed infrastructure to tap its abundant reserves. But Turkey […]

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Feb 10, 2022

A perpetrator of Syrian crimes against humanity went free in France. Here’s why it shouldn’t happen again

By Michel Duclos

If the scope for changing the course of events in Syria is limited, it’s honorable to take a stand against the abominable crimes of the Bashar al-Assad regime. It would be a great pity for France to be seen as a safe haven for Assad’s accomplices.

Europe & Eurasia France

In the News

Feb 8, 2022

Qaddour quoted in Foreign Policy on US-Russia deals in the UN on Syria’s Civil War

By Atlantic Council

Conflict International Norms

MENASource

Feb 8, 2022

The politics of early recovery aid in Syria. Is it actually reconstruction aid?

By Samy Akil and Dr. Karam Shaar

The stakes remain high and immediate action is needed to avoid further suffering and enrichment of the regime from aid. This can only be achieved with a grand vision by the Biden administration to resolve the conflict that remains vague to date.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Feb 7, 2022

Death of Islamic State leader was necessary, but there’s a better way to fight terrorism

By Ben Connable

The Islamic State will probably continue to recover from its operational defeat in Syria and Iraq. It will take capacity building over generations to defeat them.

Iraq Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Lesley Chavkin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society
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