Syria

Syria has experienced a transformative period marked by the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Yet, critical challenges persist, including foreign incursions, the resurgence of ISIS and other extremist groups, and deep-seated economic challenges. Opportunities have also arisen, such as the suspension of U.S. sanctions. CSIS experts explore issues such as governance, counterterrorism, geostrategy, economics, and migration in the aftermath of one of the defining conflicts of the early twenty-first century.

Recent Analysis

Photo: Mohammed Al-Rifai/picture alliance/Getty Images

Photo: Mohammed Al-Rifai/picture alliance/Getty Images

Open for Business

This installment of Charting the Middle East spotlights growing trade volumes between Syria and select countries or regions since the fall of Assad and the lifting of sanctions.

Newsletter by Philip Luck — August 20, 2026

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Recent Events

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Experts

Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program

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Open for Business

This installment of Charting the Middle East spotlights growing trade volumes between Syria and select countries or regions since the fall of Assad and the lifting of sanctions.

Newsletter by Philip Luck — August 20, 2026

How Syria Can Succeed in Integrating the Kurds

Intensified conflict between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces could threaten Syria’s transition. Here’s what the government can do to ensure it doesn’t.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — January 22, 2026

Violence Escalates as Israel Intervenes in Southern Syria

On July 16, Israel struck various Syrian government targets in response to escalating violence in southern Syria. Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman explore their implications for Syria and the wider region.

Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — July 17, 2025

Trump Announces Lifting of Sanctions on Syria

President Trump’s announcement that he is lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria could yield both Gulf goodwill and lucrative business opportunities. While some are undoubtedly happy with the decision, it also foregoes U.S. leverage on Syria’s new government.
 

Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian — May 13, 2025