For generations, Syria was ruled by one of the world’s most oppressive dictatorships. The brutal Assad regime controlled nearly every aspect of life, leading to millions of Syrians being forced to flee their country, and millions more endured unimaginable hardship and brutal dictatorship at home. But in the wake of Syria’s historic revolution, there is a renewed sense of hope for the future of liberty in a country that is ranked among the most liberty deprived in the world.
Upon the rapid fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Atlas Network moved quickly to support the growing young freedom movement in Syria and connect with Syrians who believe in free-market ideas.
Why Atlas Network is in Syria
Alongside partners at Arab Center for Research and Lebanese Institute for Market Studies, Atlas Network traveled to Damascus to encourage the development of local, pro-freedom organizations that can help guide Syria’s transition. What Atlas Network found was a nation eager for a fresh start including entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and civil society leaders determined to break free from decades of authoritarian rule and economic stagnation.
Atlas Network visited the Damascus Chamber of Commerce for a meeting including civil society groups and a representative from the new interim government about restoring a market economy in Syria.
Atlas Network is working to support Syrians who believe in individual rights and free enterprise by providing training, grants, mentorship, consulting, and networking opportunities to potential think tank and nonprofit founders. Atlas Network has already provided grants to our partners in the region to support local Syrian efforts, including FreeSyriaCenter.org, a project of the Arab Center for Research that will promote economic and policy reforms. This will bring about greater public awareness of the foundations of a free society and a free-market economy.
This is an important time to support think tank founders in Syria because the new interim government has stated that it wants to transition away from the central planning of the past to establish a free-market economy that is open to international trade, welcoming people and investment to the country.
Atlas Network’s rapid response efforts in Syria demonstrate the impact of being able to leverage a network of freedom champions based in more than 100 countries. People interested in founding pro-liberty organizations in Syria can learn from their peers engaged in the same mission and to connect with experts associated with Atlas Network, like Tom G. Palmer, who can share decades of experiences working in countries where freedom is threatened.
During the visit, Atlas Network saw an inspiring willingness among Syrians to move past the trauma of war and dictatorship and focus on rebuilding their country. People who had fled the country more than a decade ago were returning home and expressing optimism about the future. The personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of Syrians working for a new era of liberty and economic prosperity will be featured in an upcoming documentary from Atlas Network.
While there is a spirit of patriotism and renewal that fuels Syria’s ongoing transition, there are still significant challenges remaining. Security in the country remains fragile, as regional militias and extremist groups like ISIS still exist in some areas, and Syria’s many different religious and ethnic groups must grow acquainted to governing, working, and living together in a society where distrust and fear among these different groups still exists. But if Syrians and their leaders work diligently toward a country that respects the rule of law and the initiative of its industrious people, the future in Syria can look even brighter than this ancient and proud nation’s legendary past.
How You Can Help
The struggle to advance liberty in Syria will not be easy, but friends of freedom have a crucial role to play in the success of a Free Syria.
Donate to Atlas Network to support pro-freedom organizations in Syria and throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Your contribution helps empower local champions to advance economic freedom and individual liberty in their countries.
Attend Atlas Network events, such as Asia Liberty Forum and Europe Liberty Forum, to honor the region’s most outstanding freedom champions and learn more directly from impactful organizations such as Arab Center for Research and Lebanese Institute for Market Studies.
Get your free digital subscription to Atlas Network’s Freedom’s Champion magazine to stay informed and inspired about the latest updates from the freedom movement in the Middle East and around the world.
After nearly 45 years of working in countries where freedom is threatened, Atlas Network has refined a proven process for raising the ambitions and achievements of people and teams devoted to the principles of liberty. Together we can ensure that more freedom movements like Syria's and the courageous people behind them know that they are never alone. Donate today to help us sustain and expand this vital work.