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

Talking Turkey

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

Talking Turkey

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

Talking Turkey

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

New Atlanticist

Feb 12, 2018

Talking Turkey

By Carmen Gentile

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s trip to the Middle East this week comes amid escalating tensions between NATO allies Turkey and the United States as their forces stare down one another in war-ravaged northern Syria. While Tillerson’s agenda is notably missing a stop in Israel, the secretary will meet with leaders in Turkey, as […]

Syria Turkey

In the News

Feb 9, 2018

Itani Joins VOA to Discuss Current State of Syria

By Faysal Itani

Watch the full discussion here

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 9, 2018

Stabilization vs Reconstruction: What is the Long Term Role of the US in Syria?

By Emily Burchfield

A key component of the new US policy towards Syria, as outlined by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in his address at Stanford, is its focus on stabilization efforts in areas cleared of the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh). Stabilization efforts, according to Tillerson, aim to bring about two of the five desired end states […]

Syria

In the News

Feb 8, 2018

Bechev in Ahval: The False Promise of De-Escalation in Syria

By Dimitar Bechev

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Feb 8, 2018

Abouzahr Quoted in the Washington Times on U.S. Airstrike in Syria

By Hossam Abouzahr

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Feb 8, 2018

Haid Quoted in CBC on Russia’s Problem in Syria’s War

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Feb 8, 2018

Haid Quoted in the New York Times on Syria’s War

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Feb 7, 2018

Haid Quoted in NPR on Syrian Civilians Being Targeted in the War

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here

Syria

SyriaSource

Feb 6, 2018

Syria: Which Way Forward?

By Faysal Itani

Official statement presented to the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, on the hearing for “Syria: Which Way Forward?”

Syria

In the News

Feb 6, 2018

Itani Quoted in News Deeply on the Russian-Led De-Escalation Agreement

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here

Syria
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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

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict
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