Recent analysis

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.

Featured experts

Past events

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.

Content

SyriaSource

Oct 26, 2017

It’s Complicated: The Fate of Idlib with HTS and Russia

By Saleem al-Omar

In late September, Russian jets bombed the city of Haram in Idlib province for the first time since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011. Not a single village or town in western Idlib was spared by Russian bombing this time. The air strikes hit  Haram, Idlib city, Jisr al-Shughur, Khan Sheikhun and towns […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 25, 2017

Assad and Legitimacy

By Frederic C. Hof

During the Obama administration, one of the many public throw-away lines designed to paper-over an adamant refusal to protect civilians from a homicidal regime was that the President of Syria—Bashar al-Assad—“lacked all legitimacy.” Russia, on the other hand characterized Assad as the paragon of legitimacy: as the chief of a state represented in the United […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 24, 2017

Escalation Threatens South Damascus “De-Escalation” Deal

By Tom Rollins

The south Damascus suburbs are not Syria’s most pressing theatre of war. Syrian pro-government forces are busy routing out Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) jihadists in Deir Ezzor, and Islamist opposition from Eastern Ghouta in Damascus. Meanwhile, Russia and the international community are busy trying to monopolize Syria’s future.

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 24, 2017

Health Crisis Looms Over Eastern Ghouta

By Hasan Arfeh

The medical situation in Damascus’ Eastern Ghouta is deteriorating as the Syrian regime’s siege of the city surpasses four years, threatening an impending health crisis for civilians in need of treatment. These civilians reside just a few kilometers from the capital; however, they cannot go to the capital. The siege is happening under the watch […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 23, 2017

Alert System in Place Warning Syrian Civilians of Air Strikes

By Mohamad Khair Alhamwi

At 11: 56 a.m. on a Friday, the Syrian Civil Defense (SCD) issued an alert on its various social media accounts that a fighter jet left the Hama military airbase and was headed north. The statement listed at least eight potential target zones, including the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province. Expected time of arrival in […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 21, 2017

Stein Quoted in The Times of Israel on Impact of Raqqa’s Fall

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Oct 20, 2017

Alami in Al-Monitor: Following Islamic State Ouster, Tribes Key to Stability in Eastern Syria

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Oct 20, 2017

al-Kattan Quoted in AP on Devastation in Raqqa

By Rashad al-Kattan

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Oct 18, 2017

Stein Quoted in Middle East Eye on Post-Raqqa IS

By Aaron Stein

Read the full article here.

Syria

In the News

Oct 18, 2017

Haid in CNN: Driving Out ISIS is Just the Start — Rebuilding Raqqa Will Take Years

By Haid Haid

Read the full article here.

Syria

Experts