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

El-Gamal joins TRT World to discuss the YPG in Syria

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
El-Gamal joins TRT World to discuss the YPG in Syria

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
El-Gamal joins TRT World to discuss the YPG in Syria

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 17, 2019

El-Gamal joins TRT World to discuss the YPG in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Oct 17, 2019

First female NATO number two hands over post amid Turkey crisis

By Teri Schultz

The highest-ranking woman in Alliance history talks about the crisis in Syria and the success in encouraging gender balance throughout NATO.

NATO Syria

In the News

Oct 16, 2019

Hof quoted in Bard on Trump’s “greenlighting” of Turkish invasion

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 16, 2019

Katz quoted in Radio Free Europe about the Russia-Turkey deal in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Russia Russian

In the News

Oct 16, 2019

El-Gamal quoted in Noticias de Gipuzkoa on implications of US withdrawal from northern Syria

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 16, 2019

Carpenter in Foreign Affairs: ISIS Is Already Rising From the Ashes

By Atlantic Council

Extremism Iraq

In the News

Oct 16, 2019

Katz quoted in Radio Svoboda (RFE/RL) on U.S. response to Turkey

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

SyriaSource

Oct 15, 2019

Syria: Is anything salvageable?

By Frederic C. Hof

The importance of Syria to the West generally and to the United States specifically dictates that something of value be salvaged from the wreckage. Facilitating the resurrection of ISIS and the restoration of a terrorism-abetting Assad regime to all of Syria should be unthinkable.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

Trump vs Erdoğan: It’s hard to bluff when your cards are on the table

By Brian O'Toole

It is hard to take seriously threats by the US government to ruin the Turkish economy when Trump himself gave this green light in the first place. Under such circumstances, sanctions have almost no chance of succeeding in putting this genie back in the bottle.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Syria

In the News

Oct 15, 2019

Itani joins NPR’s All Things Considered to discuss Syrian regime’s new deal with the Kurds and President Assad’s goals

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense
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Experts

Staff

Nour Taha

Program Assistant, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management