The dramatic fall and rapid collapse of Syria’s Assad regime in December 2024 has brought the country to a crossroads. The fate of the ensuing transition to a new era will ultimately be largely determined by the extent to which the new regime—comprised of rebel groups lead by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army—is successful in addressing the catastrophic consequences of the civil war that began in 2011. Key among the challenges that require immediate attention include establishing stability, building trust with the citizens, rebuilding a shattered security apparatus and establishing authority in all provinces, resettlement of internally displaced citizens and preparation for at least a partial absorption of refugees, putting in place an appropriate and monitorable accountability and national reconciliation framework, rebuilding the country’s decimated infrastructure, ending drug trade and trafficking, and adopting an effective counter-terrorism strategy. If approached within an overall governance framework that prioritizes the wellbeing and welfare of the citizenry, such an effort can go a long way toward repairing and rebuilding Syria’s regional and international relations, thereby paving the way to ending the country’s isolation, lifting internationally imposed sanctions, and mobilizing the resources needed for reconstruction and economic revitalization and development.
The study group, led by Senior Fellow Dr. Salam Fayyad, former Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, seeks to outline a vision for Syria’s future, drawing on his extensive government experience, background as an economist, and his tenure with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Schedule:
Feb. 18: Structural Challenges: The Big Questions Ahead
Feb. 25: Reviving the Economy: National Policies and International Support
March 11: Societal Restoration: Rebuilding, Resettlement, and Engaging the Diaspora
March 25: Transitional Justice: Accountability and National Reconciliation
Registration: All HUID-holders (students, fellows, staff, and faculty) are welcome to register for the study group.
