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.
