Syria
Syrian Arab Republic
Population
22.1M
GDP
$11.0B
Capital
Damascus
Government
Presidential republic (trans...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.6
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
1.4
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Syria is a founding UN member that has been engulfed in civil war since 2011, resulting in over 500,000 deaths, the displacement of half its population, and the devastation of its infrastructure and economy. The Assad regime's fall in late 2024 after a rapid rebel offensive ended over five decades of Assad family rule and opened a new chapter of uncertain transition.
Syria's conflict drew in nearly every major regional and global power -- Russia and Iran backed the Assad government, Turkey supported opposition factions, the U.S. led an anti-ISIS coalition, and Israel conducted strikes against Iranian positions. Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 but was readmitted in 2023. The country faces an enormous reconstruction challenge estimated at over $400 billion.
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As Syria, navigate carefully given the country's transitional status. Emphasize sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the need for massive reconstruction assistance.
Call for refugee return and international reconstruction funding. Assert that all foreign military presences require Syrian consent. On the Golan Heights, maintain the claim to Israeli-occupied territory. Coordinate with Arab League partners on reintegration. Depending on the political moment, calibrate relations with Turkey (which controls parts of the north), the Kurdish SDF, and international donors. Highlight the humanitarian catastrophe to mobilize aid.
Foreign Policy
Syria's foreign policy is in flux following the fall of the Assad regime. Historically, the Assad government aligned with Iran and Russia, maintained hostility toward Israel, and supported Hezbollah. The new transitional authorities are navigating relationships with Turkey, Gulf states, and Western nations while managing the presence of multiple foreign militaries on Syrian soil. Key issues include reconstruction financing, refugee return, counterterrorism, and the status of the Kurdish-led autonomous administration in the northeast.