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

Empower Syrians Not Warlords: Against the re-branding of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

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
Empower Syrians Not Warlords: Against the re-branding of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

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
Empower Syrians Not Warlords: Against the re-branding of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

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

Jul 15, 2021

Empower Syrians Not Warlords: Against the re-branding of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

By Rahaf Aldoughli and Azzam Al Kassir

Currently, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s ambition for complete governance is only lacking external legitimacy. If HTS gains this, it will be to the detriment of civil society groups and Syrians who aspire toward human rights.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 7, 2021

Qaddour quoted in Arab News on Washington’s response to the humanitarian issue in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Middle East

In the News

Jul 6, 2021

Qaddour mentioned in Foreign Policy’s Morning Brief

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Middle East

In the News

Jul 1, 2021

Qaddour in Foreign Policy: When Humanitarian Aid Becomes a Bargaining Chip

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights International Organizations

In the News

Jun 29, 2021

Ashford in Reuters: Undeclared conflict? America’s battles with Iran-backed militia escalate, again

By Atlantic Council

On June 29, Emma Ashford was quoted in Reuters on US strikes against the Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq. “A lot of people suggest that the term ‘forever war’ is just emotive, but it’s actually a decent descriptor of the kind of strike we saw again (Sunday): no strategic goal, no endpoint in sight, […]

Defense Policy English

In the News

Jun 29, 2021

Slavin joined VOA Russian to discuss the latest US strikes in Syria and Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

Fast Thinking

Jun 28, 2021

FAST THINKING: What Biden’s airstrikes left behind

By Atlantic Council

What does this mean for the future of drone warfare and the US military presence in Iraq? Our experts sort through the fallout.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jun 18, 2021

Qaddour quoted in Middle East Eye on the importance of the Biden’s Syria policy

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Middle East

Insights & Impact

Jun 14, 2021

Qaddour joins The Good, The Rights and The Ugly to discuss how Middle East elections will impact the region

By Atlantic Council

Elections Middle East

Issue briefs and reports

Jun 14, 2021

What choices remain for the United States in Syria?

By Nate Rosenblatt and Jomana Qaddour

In a new issue brief Nate Rosenblatt and Jomana Qaddour describe the challenges the United States faces in Syria, including Russia's attempt to expand the UN Strategic Framework as well the struggle to keep the UN humanitarian border crossings open in northern Syria.

Human Rights International Organizations
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Experts

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Active affiliation

Reem Salahi

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Joumana Seif

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Gareth Stansfield

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Afghanistan Iraq

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia
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