Syria

The Syrian conflict that began with nonviolent local protests in 2011 has since evolved into a geopolitical and humanitarian crisis. The devastating military campaign led by the Syrian regime, supported by the Russian and Iranian governments and their proxies has led to mass displacement, arrests, torture, and catastrophic loss of life. Along with other global powers, the United States faces important decisions regarding its future role in Syria. Centering Syrian voices is critical during this period of stabilization as the war-torn country grapples with security, economic, and political challenges amidst ongoing regional and international competition.

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 13, 2017

Return to Syria is Less Likely As Syrian Refugees Receive Turkish Citizenship

By Hosam al-Jablawi

After more than a year of heated debate among the Turkish public and authorities, thousands of Syrians living across the country have begun receiving citizenship. The first batch to receive decisions in early August included fifty thousand Syrian refugees, mostly holders of university degrees, such as doctors, engineers and teachers, along with their families. But […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 12, 2017

Alami in TheNewArab: IS’ Defeat in Deir az-Zour Will Not Spell the End of Extremism

By Mona Alami

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 12, 2017

JCPOA or Assad? Capillary vs Artery

By Frederic C. Hof

The Trump administration is focusing properly on blocking the destabilizing, terrorist-abetting activities of Iran in Mesopotamia, the Levant, and elsewhere. Yet rather than addressing the worst of those activities head-on, it is confounding allies and risking Western unity by making the 2015 nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – JCPOA) the centerpiece of […]

Iran Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 10, 2017

Empower civil society in Syria to rebuild the country

By Dr. Rouba Mhaissen

A vibrant civil society is key to Syria’s future. But across Syria’s so-called de-escalation zones, the hard-won advances of Syrian activists and humanitarians risk being rolled back in the name of “early recovery” and “reconstruction.”

Civil Society Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 6, 2017

The Battle for Deir Ezzor Continues

By Hashem Osseiran and Nawar Oilver

In recent weeks, the so-called Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) has suffered a string of defeats in eastern Syria. It has lost swaths of territory in Deir Ezzor city to advancing pro-Syrian government forces and has been driven from villages and oil fields on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River by a US-backed paramilitary group.

Syria

In the News

Oct 3, 2017

Haid Quoted in New York Times on Syrian War Crime

Read the full article here.

Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 2, 2017

Dealing with Depression

By Frederic C. Hof

It is hard to have a conversation about Syria without speaking or hearing the words “how depressing.” This has, in fact, been true for years. The Obama administration observed, unopposed, a relentless, multi-year campaign of civilian mass homicide by a larcenous, incompetent, and brutal regime, one fully enabled and encouraged by Russia and Iran. The […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 28, 2017

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s Lone Path to Survival

By Saleem al-Omar

The fate of Idlib, the Syrian opposition’s last major stronghold, is coming to a head. Militarily, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is in control, but this military control is severely threatened. HTS could lose this control at any moment and is looking to find another way to continue to exert control over the affairs of the […]

Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 25, 2017

Sixth Round of Astana Talks Threatens the Fate of Idlib and the Syrian Revolution

By Abdullah Almousa

Once the Syrian regime realized the opposition had the ability to decide the war militarily, especially after the “Allahu Ghalibun” offensive launched by Jaish al-Islam which shook the foundations around Damascus, direct Russian intervention ultimately saved the Assad Regime from collapse.

Syria

In the News

Sep 24, 2017

Alfoneh in Arab Weekly: Hezbollah’s Costly Victory in Syria

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here.

Syria

Experts

Events