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

Kadhim joins Albawaba News to discuss Al Baghdadi, Trump 2020 and US-Turkish relations

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
Kadhim joins Albawaba News to discuss Al Baghdadi, Trump 2020 and US-Turkish relations

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
Kadhim joins Albawaba News to discuss Al Baghdadi, Trump 2020 and US-Turkish relations

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

Oct 30, 2019

Kadhim joins Albawaba News to discuss Al Baghdadi, Trump 2020 and US-Turkish relations

By Atlantic Council

Conflict National Security

In the News

Oct 29, 2019

Charai in The National Interest: Baghdadi’s Death Creates an Opportunity for Peace in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Oct 28, 2019

Fontenrose quoted in The Washington Examiner on party concerns over Baghdadi raid

By Atlantic Council

Middle East National Security

In the News

Oct 28, 2019

El-Gamal joins France24 to discuss what’s next for Islamic State group after US raid

By Atlantic Council

Middle East National Security

In the News

Oct 28, 2019

Wechsler quoted in Vox on Baghdadi raid

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Oct 28, 2019

A highway linking Iraq and Syria becomes an opportunity for Tehran

By Caroline Rose

In the past month, the sands have shifted within the Levant’s political landscape. The United States has recalibrated its official policy in the region, choosing to draw down its special operations forces in northern Syria and thereby introducing a power vacuum in the region. After an offensive and brief ceasefire in northern Syria, Moscow and Ankara […]

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

Oct 28, 2019

Five takeaways from the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

By William F. Wechsler

This is a serious but not fatal blow to the Islamic State, and the generational conflict against Salafi jihadist organizations is far from over. The Islamic State's center of gravity will increasingly be its narrative pull rather than its claim to represent a governing caliphate.

Conflict Extremism

In the News

Oct 27, 2019

Wechsler quoted in The Washington Post on ISIS and US policy

By Atlantic Council

Middle East National Security

In the News

Oct 27, 2019

Itani quoted in Stamford Advocate on the Islamic State

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Security & Defense

Inflection Points

Oct 27, 2019

Geopolitical earthquake shakes US position

By Frederick Kempe

Though the tremors have long been evident, it’s growing clearer with each day that we’re experiencing a seismic shift that is threatening the political and economic world the United States did so much to create.

Europe & Eurasia Russia
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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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