Recent analysis

Simakovsky joins TRT to discuss Erdogan-Putin meeting

New Atlanticist Dec 17, 2024

Dispatch from Damascus: Celebrations and concerns as a new Syria takes shape

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Syrians in Damascus are celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, but that joy is mixed with concern for how the country’s new leaders will govern.
Conflict Crisis Management
Simakovsky joins TRT to discuss Erdogan-Putin meeting

MENASource Jun 20, 2025

On World Refugee Day, complexities persist for Syrian returnees

By Sinan Hatahet

While Syria’s political shift brings new hope, it also highlights the complex realities that still define the Syrian landscape.
Middle East Migration
Simakovsky joins TRT to discuss Erdogan-Putin meeting

MENASource Jun 10, 2025

Why DDR programs are the missing link to Syrian stability

By Muhsen al-Mustafa

With the end of Western sanctions, Syria faces a rare opportunity to address the imbalances of the post-conflict period.
Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Explore our Syria work

Syria Project

Our work on Syria sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Syrians to fulfill their desire for democratic self-governance as the United States and the international community grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, millions of refugees across the Middle East and Europe, and ongoing security and political challenges spilling over Syria’s borders.

Group of world leaders sitting around table set up.

Syria Strategy Project

The Atlantic Council, Middle East Institute, and European Institute of Peace collaborate with subject matter experts and policymakers in the US, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to sustainably forge a pathway to resolving Syria’s crisis.

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Featured experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Lead of the Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Former fellow

Michel Duclos

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Crisis Management

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Ömer Özkizilcik

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Sinan Hatahet

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economic Sanctions

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Past events

Public Event Tue, August 18, 2020 • 12:00 pm ET

The status of the fight against ISIS
Middle East Security & Defense Syria
Public Event Thu, April 30, 2020 • 10:00 am ET

The future of Idlib and Syrian IDPs
Conflict Human Rights Middle East Migration
Wed, May 22, 2019 • 12:00 pm ET

Ambassador Duclos discusses the influence of Russia and Iran in Syria
Conflict Politics & Diplomacy Syria
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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

Mar 5, 2020

Simakovsky joins TRT to discuss Erdogan-Putin meeting

By Atlantic Council

Eurasia Center senior fellow Mark Simakovksy joins TRT's Newsmakers to discuss how Russia's intervention in Syria and the relationship between Turkey and Russia affects Turkey's ties to NATO and US policy in the region.

Conflict NATO

In the News

Mar 3, 2020

Bryza joins TRT World to discuss the humanitarian and military crisis in northern Syria’s Idlib Province

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

MENASource

Mar 2, 2020

Factbox: The Syrian regime’s push in Idlib province

By Kyle Thetford

This factbox aims to shed light on the latest developments, the humanitarian consequences, and the key actors involved.

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Mar 2, 2020

Bryza joins TNT World to discuss Syrian army’s attack on Turkish soldiers in Syria’s Idlib province

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

In the News

Mar 2, 2020

Katz in Responsible Statecraft: Putin’s courtship of both Assad and Erdogan is spinning out of control in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 28, 2020

Bryza joins Voice of America (Russian) to discuss Syrian regime’s military attack on Turkish soldiers in Syria’s Idlib province

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2020

Tensions mount in Syria after strike on Turkish troops

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts respond to the airstrikes against Turkish soldiers in Idlib, as Russia and the Assad regime continue their collision course with Turkey in Syria.

Conflict Syria

MENASource

Feb 14, 2020

American passivity and weakness shine in Idlib province

By Frederic C. Hof

In a tribute to foreign policy continuity, the Trump administration upholds its predecessor’s Syria policy of gratuitously communicating passivity and weakness to adversaries.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 12, 2020

Cohen joins RTVI (Russian) to discuss Turkey-Russia relations on the issue of Syria

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Feb 10, 2020

Iran’s credit line to Syria: A well that never runs dry

By Karam Shaar and Ali Fathollah-Nejad

There is barely an article about the Syrian economy since the 2011 uprising that does not entail a reference to that rather mysterious Iranian credit line.

Economy & Business Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Lead of the Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Fellow

Nadia Farra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies
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Events

Online Event Tue, November 11, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Syria’s future and international role

AN #ACFRONTPAGE EVENT—Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani reflects on Syria’s decision to join the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, his country’s political transition, and its future role in the region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria