Syria | Council on Foreign Relations

What to Know About HTS, Hezbollah, and Iran

The ascendance of Sunni Islamist rebels in Syria should be viewed with great caution by Western powers, but the Assad regime’s collapse disables a critical node in Iran’s regional proxy network.

Expert Brief by Bruce Hoffman Dec 9, 2024

What Assad’s Fall Means for Russia in the Middle East

The flight of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to exile in Russia poses a major strategic challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin’s influence in Syria and the region should not be downplayed yet.

Expert Brief by Thomas Graham Dec 10, 2024

Will Iran Become More Dangerous After Assad’s Ouster in Syria?

The Bashar al-Assad regime’s rapid collapse deals a heavy blow to Iran’s “axis of resistance” and its ability to project power in the region, and it raises fears Iran will focus more on developing its nuclear program.

Expert Brief by Ray Takeyh Dec 8, 2024

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The Trump Administration’s Approach to the Middle East

Panelists discuss the Trump administration’s role in the Israel-Hamas peace negotiations, U.S. relations with other Middle East countries, and the administration’s priorities regarding U.S. involvement and stability in the region. This meeting is part of CFR’s Transition 2025 series, which examines the major foreign policy issues confronting the Trump administration. Please note there is no virtual component to the meeting. The audio, video, and transcript of the discussion portion of this event will be posted on the CFR website.

Event with Elliott Abrams , Bernard Haykel, Denise Natali and Missy Ryan March 28, 2025
Syria

Syria’s Surge in Violence Does Not Signal a New Civil War—for Now

A spate of attacks involving loyalists to former ruler President Bashar al-Assad has spurred concerns of a return to sectarian warfare in Syria, but there is still a path for the country’s new rulers to find stability.

Expert Brief by Steven A. Cook March 12, 2025
Lebanon

Lebanon: How Israel, Hezbollah, and Regional Powers Are Shaping Its Future

An array of domestic and foreign powers are vying for influence in Lebanon, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, Hezbollah, Israel, Iran, Syria, and the United States.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters January 27, 2025

United States

SERIES FINALE: Trump Addresses Davos, Gaza Navigates Cease-Fire, 2025 Elections Loom, and More

In this live series finale, Bob and Carla discuss the most pressing international news stories with special guest Deborah Amos. President Donald Trump virtually attends the annual Davos summit where he will address corporate and government leaders just three days after his inauguration; the next phase of hostage and prisoner swaps is due as part of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal; a tightly controlled presidential election in Belarus kicks off a new year of consequential elections around the globe; and TikTok is revived in the United States—for now— after President Trump forestalled the app’s initial ban. This episode was originally produced live on January 21, 2025.

Podcast with Robert McMahon , Carla Anne Robbins and Deborah Amos January 23, 2025 The World Next Week
Religion

Women This Week: First Woman Appointed to Top Position in the Holy See

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers January 4 to January 10.

Post by Noël James January 10, 2025 Women Around the World
Syria

Will the Shake-up in Syria Undermine the Fight Against ISIS?

The United States appears intent on keeping its counterterrorism alliance with the Kurds in post-Assad Syria despite the strains it is causing with ally Turkey.

Expert Brief by Henri J. Barkey January 9, 2025 Middle East Program

Myanmar

Could the Myanmar Junta Rapidly Collapse Like al-Assad?

With the sudden collapse of the al-Assad regime in Syria, analysts and fighters in other long running civil wars are wondering whether their country could be next.

Post by Joshua Kurlantzick December 26, 2024 Asia Unbound
Syria

Syria’s Civil War

Photo Essay by CFR.org Editors December 20, 2024
Syria

Syrians Plot Transition, Turmoil in Georgia and Romania, UK Joins Trans-Pacific Trade Deal, and More

Syrians begin the early stages of government formation as global and regional powers scramble to devise a strategy for Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad; Georgians protest their government’s postponement of European Union (EU) membership talks as Romanians look for answers following the cancellation of their presidential election results; the United Kingdom (UK) accedes to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership; and China opens an anti-monopoly case against U.S. chipmaker Nvidia.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins December 12, 2024 The World Next Week
Syria

What Assad’s Fall Means for Russia in the Middle East

The flight of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to exile in Russia poses a major strategic challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin’s influence in Syria and the region should not be downplayed yet.

Expert Brief by Thomas Graham December 10, 2024 Europe Program
Syria

Syria After Assad: What to Know About HTS, Hezbollah, and Iran

The ascendance of Sunni Islamist rebels in Syria should be viewed with great caution by Western powers, but the Assad regime’s collapse disables a critical node in Iran’s regional proxy network.

Expert Brief by Bruce Hoffman December 9, 2024 National Security and Defense Program
Syria

Weighing Syria’s Future

In this video interview, CFR’s Steven A. Cook sits down with CNN’s Primetime Weekend Newsroom anchor Jessica Dean and CNN military analyst Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling to discuss a post-Assad Syria.

Article by Steven A. Cook December 9, 2024 Middle East Program
Syria

Media Briefing: What's Next for Syria After Assad

CFR experts discuss the latest news out of Syria, including what the fall of Bashar al-Assad means for the future of the country and the wider region.

Virtual Event by Elliott Abrams , Steven A. Cook , Ray Takeyh and Elise Labott December 9, 2024 Middle East Program
Syria

Will Iran Become More Dangerous After Assad’s Ouster in Syria?

The Bashar al-Assad regime’s rapid collapse deals a heavy blow to Iran’s “axis of resistance” and its ability to project power in the region, and it raises fears Iran will focus more on developing its nuclear program.

Expert Brief by Ray Takeyh December 8, 2024 Middle East Program
Syria

After Fall of Assad Dynasty, Syria’s Risky New Moment

The swift collapse of Syria’s regime brings a humiliating end to Russia’s and Iran’s sway and opens the door for greater Turkish influence. But the Islamist movement that seized power has yet to show its full intentions.

Expert Brief by Steven A. Cook December 8, 2024 Middle East Program