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

Kabawat mentioned in Enab Baladi on the National Dialogue Conference in Syria

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
Kabawat mentioned in Enab Baladi on the National Dialogue Conference in Syria

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
Kabawat mentioned in Enab Baladi on the National Dialogue Conference in Syria

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 11, 2025

Kabawat mentioned in Enab Baladi on the National Dialogue Conference in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Political Reform

MENASource

Mar 10, 2025

Syria’s women face a new chapter. Here’s how to amplify their voices.

By Diana Rayes , Hind Kabawat

It is critical for women to be involved in transitional justice and constitutional reform processes in Syria.

Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Syria

TURKEYSource

Mar 3, 2025

The impact of the PKK leader’s call to disarm will depend on how regional power balances unfold

By Evren Balta

Whether this is truly the beginning of a historic resolution on the Kurdish question will depend on how regional alliances and power balances unfold.

Conflict Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2025

Is this the end of the PKK and its conflict with Turkey?

By Defne Arslan, Rich Outzen

Imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan issued a call for the militant group to lay down its arms after four decades of conflict with the Turkish state.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Feb 26, 2025

Why post-Assad Syria complicates the Iran-Turkey rivalry

By Giorgio Cafiero

Depending on what unfolds after Assad's fall, there could be reason to expect a degree of Iran-Turkey alignment in Syria.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Svetlova in The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Syria in Turmoil: The View from Jerusalem

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

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
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Experts

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia

Staff

Nour Taha

Program Assistant, Transatlantic Project

Iraq Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Expert

Gregory Waters

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management