Click Here to Watch LIVE on YouTube
Monday, October 26, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / Eastern Time
Registration is NOT REQUIRED to view the program.
Submit questions to the specialists: questions@ncusar.org
Background and Context
Amid the ongoing U.S.–Iran confrontation and the emergence of a new regional order, Syria faces significant foreign policy challenges and strategic choices that are redefining its position in the Middle East. As Damascus seeks to restore its regional influence and strengthen its international partnerships, it must navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical environment shaped by competing security interests and shifting regional alliances.
This webinar will examine Syria’s evolving defence and foreign policies, with particular attention to its relations with Israel, the security challenges posed by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and Lebanon, and its growing diplomatic and strategic engagement with Türkiye and the Gulf states. The discussion will explore how Damascus can balance these relationships while addressing its security concerns, preserving its sovereignty, and advancing economic reconstruction.
The webinar will also assess Syria’s potential role in emerging regional security arrangements, including whether Damascus might consider deploying military forces to Yemen in support of Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. Bringing together regional experts and policymakers, the discussion will explore the opportunities, constraints, and strategic implications of Syria’s foreign policy choices.
Moderator:
- Dr. William Lawrence, Senior Academic and Research Fellow-in-Residence, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations | Bio
Speakers:
- Amb. Robert Ford, Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute; Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria from 2011 to 2014 | Bio
- Dr. Fadi Hilani, Director, Levant and Middle East Area Studies Program; Senior Academic and Research Fellow-in-Residence, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations | Bio
- Ms. Caroline Rose, Senior Director, The Soufan Center | Bio