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

Securing Eastern Syria in 2018

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

Securing Eastern Syria in 2018

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

Securing Eastern Syria in 2018

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

SyriaSource

Jan 17, 2018

Securing Eastern Syria in 2018

By Frederic C. Hof

For the better part of three years, this writer has recommended an accelerated battle against ISIS (ISIL, Daesh, Islamic State) in eastern Syria, one that would replace the pseudo-caliphate with a governance arrangement featuring reconstituted local councils, Syrian civil servants possessing needed skills, and the mainstream Syrian opposition (including the Turkish-supported Syrian Interim Government). Part […]

Syria

In the News

Jan 17, 2018

Bryza Joins TRT World to Discuss US-Turkey Tensions in northern Syria

By Matthew Bryza

Watch the full discussion here.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Jan 16, 2018

Haid Quoted in CNN on the Security Situation in Syria’s Idlib

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here

Syria

In the News

Jan 15, 2018

Stein Quoted in Marine Insight on the Attempted Remote-Control Boat Attack on Saudi-Flagged Oil Tanker

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here

Saudi Arabia Syria

In the News

Jan 15, 2018

Alami in The New Arab: Syrian Rebel Losses Do Not Mean Victory for Assad

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here

Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 12, 2018

De-Escalation Agreements On the Brink of Failure

By Abdullah Almousa

In a fourth round of talks on 4 May, 2017, the nations overseeing the Astana negotiations (Turkey, Russia, and Iran) arrived at a “de-escalation” agreement to establish safe zones in Syria. This development came as military factions were severely weakened over an uninterrupted two-year period of violent and asymmetric clashes in all parts of Aleppo. […]

Syria

In the News

Jan 11, 2018

Stein Quoted in Business Insider on Russia’s Military Base in Syria

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 9, 2018

Syria: In the Hands of Russia and Iran

By Michel Duclos

On December 11, Vladimir Putin declared the beginning of the end of Russia’s involvement in Syria, and proclaimed his “victory” from the Russian base of Hmeimim. In the same speech, he indicated that the conditions have been met for a political settlement of the Syrian war.

Syria

In the News

Jan 9, 2018

Hof Quoted in Voice of America on Russia’s Troop Withdrawal From Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

Read the full article here.

Russia Syria

SyriaSource

Jan 8, 2018

Hope for Syria in 2018?

By Frederic C. Hof

Is there any hope at all that a New Year’s wish for Syrian peace and quiet will be fulfilled? Yes, there is always hope. But if there is anything to be learned from the sad spectacle of Western (mainly American) Syria policy over the past nearly seven years, it is that hope—accompanied only by lofty […]

Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Diana Rayes 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Active affiliation

Reem Salahi

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Joumana Seif

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Gareth Stansfield

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Afghanistan Iraq

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia
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