Shaping a Post-Assad Syria:

The fall of the Assad regime follows a 14-year civil war that has severely impacted Syria, resulting in mass displacement, economic collapse, and institutional erosion. While this post-Assad transition marks a significant turning point, the country faces considerable economic and social challenges. The experiences of other countries in the MENA region that have undergone leadership changes or regime collapse since 2011 highlight the difficulties of political transitions. In several cases, including Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, instability has led to prolonged civil conflict and state fragmentation, with devastating human costs. These precedents suggest that Syria’s recovery will be complex, requiring careful political and economic strategies to mitigate risks and create sustainable peace and stability.

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs organized a webinar featuring a panel of experts to explore what lessons Syria and the international community can learn from the experiences of other Arab countries that entered similar political transitions since 2011. How is the Syria case different, and in what ways is it similar to other Arab Spring countries? What must Syria do to find and stay on a path toward a peaceful and prosperous future? What lessons should the Syrian caretaker and transitional governments learn from the experiences of other regime changes in the region? What should the international community learn from the political transitions in other Arab Spring countries to support Syria’s future?