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.

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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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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

Reviving Chemical Weapons Accountability in a Multipolar World

Next week's 29th Session of the Conference of States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is an opportunity to revitalize accountability and global cooperation in an age of impunity.

Commentary by Natasha Hall and Doreen Horschig — November 21, 2024

Examining Extremism: Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS)

The Transnational Threats Project's Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, a former Al Qaeda affiliate now seeking international legitimacy in Syria.

Blog Post by Mackenzie Holtz — August 3, 2023

Examining Extremism: Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)

The Transnational Threats Project's Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a nationalist insurgency that has a complicated relationship with both the U.S. and Turkey.

Blog Post by Alexander Palmer and Mackenzie Holtz — July 13, 2023