Recent analysis

Ashraph in the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide: Advancing justice and accountability in Syria after the fall of Assad: key priorities

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
Ashraph in the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide: Advancing justice and accountability in Syria after the fall of Assad: key priorities

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
Ashraph in the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide: Advancing justice and accountability in Syria after the fall of Assad: key priorities

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.

LEARN MORE

Featured experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Lead of the Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Michel Duclos

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Crisis Management

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Ömer Özkizilcik

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Sinan Hatahet

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Online Event Thu, December 19, 2024 • 12:30 pm ET

Putin loses in Syria. Is Russia in retreat?
Conflict Europe & Eurasia Middle East Russia
Online Event Tue, May 21, 2024 • 10:30 am ET

Exploring investment opportunities in northwest Syria
Conflict Economic Sanctions Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Event Recap

Mar 29, 2024

Launching the Syria Strategy Project

By JP Reppeto and Charles Johnson

On March 18, 2024, the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, the Middle East Institute’s Syria Program, the European Institute of Peace, and Madaniya Civil Society Network launched the Syria Strategy, an intensive process of engagement with subject matter experts and policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to […]

Civil Society Conflict
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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 25, 2025

Ashraph in the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide: Advancing justice and accountability in Syria after the fall of Assad: key priorities

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Rayes quoted in Devex on how USAID’s collapse could fuel an ISIS resurgence

By Atlantic Council

Extremism International Organizations

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Bakir joins Syria TV to discuss Syria’s partnership with Qatar

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Samaan joins BBC to discuss the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, Gaza, and Syria

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Katz in Travels and Observations: Putin avoided a Syrian quagmire, but not in the way he wanted to

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Panikoff joins NPR to discuss Israel’s bombardments of Syria

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Panikoff joins Al Arabiya News to discuss Blinken’s visit to the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Panikoff mentioned in Reuters on Assad’s fall in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Iran

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Panikoff quoted in Al Araby on the Syrian opposition’s need for US support

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Conflict

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Zaaimi quoted in Al Araby on how Syrian opposition should approach US support

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Middle East
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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

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Staff

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Amany Qaddour 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society
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