Recent analysis

Bakir in Middle East Eye: Syria after Assad: Sharaa’s delicate balancing act with Israel

MENASource Nov 21, 2025

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

By Merissa Khurma and Giorgio Cafiero

The decision is a shift in the country’s alignment—from Russian and Iranian spheres of influence to one in NATO and GCC regional orbits.
Democratic Transitions Middle East
Bakir in Middle East Eye: Syria after Assad: Sharaa’s delicate balancing act with Israel

MENASource Sep 24, 2025

Is a new era of Turkey-Syria economic engagement on the horizon?

By Ömer Özkizilcik and Levent Kemal

The convergence of Turkey’s and the Gulf’s economic strategies in Syria presents an opportunity for Washington.
Democratic Transitions Middle East
Bakir in Middle East Eye: Syria after Assad: Sharaa’s delicate balancing act with Israel

MENASource Sep 17, 2025

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

By Marie Forestier 

As the indirect electoral process begins, Syrian officials could take several steps to increase women’s chances in this process.
Civil Society Democratic Transitions

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

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Sinan Hatahet

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economic Sanctions

Fellow

Ömer Özkizilcik

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Arwa Damon

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

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

Fellow

Amany Qaddour 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Nadia Farra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Past events

Online Event Thu, December 19, 2024 • 7:30 am 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

Bakir in Middle East Eye: Syria after Assad: Sharaa’s delicate balancing act with Israel

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Israel

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Zaaimi quoted in World Politics Review on displaced Syrian women

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
Migration

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
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Experts

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, 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
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