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

Bakir in Middle East Eye: Why Israel wants Syria to become a failed state

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
Bakir in Middle East Eye: Why Israel wants Syria to become a failed state

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
Bakir in Middle East Eye: Why Israel wants Syria to become a failed state

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

Mar 18, 2025

Bakir in Middle East Eye: Why Israel wants Syria to become a failed state

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Bakir joins Al Jazeera to discuss Abdullah Öcalan’s call for the PKK to disarm and dissolve

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Conflict

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Özkizilcik quoted in Türkiye Today on US support for the Syrian Democratic Forces

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Kabawat mentioned in Pime Asia News on her role in rebuilding Syria

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Middle East

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Kabawat mentioned in The Orthodox Times on her meeting with the Patriarch of Antioch

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Kabawat quoted in Barron’s on Syria’s national dialogue conference

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Kabawat quoted in The Economist on Syria’s future

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Idlbi quoted in Al Jazeera on Israeli bombings of southern Syria

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Mar 18, 2025

Landmark SDF-Damascus deal presents opportunity, and uncertainty, for Turkey

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Despite positive signals, critical ambiguities remain in agreement between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

English Middle East

In the News

Mar 11, 2025

Kabawat mentioned in Enab Baladi on the formation of a preparatory committee for National Dialogue Conference in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform
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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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