About us

I am an economist with a BA from the University of Aleppo, an MSc from the University of Putra Malaysia, and a PhD from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. I founded Karam Shaar Advisory Limited with the goal of bringing cutting-edge policy and business research to the Syrian context. Additionally, I serve as a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the New Lines Institute. I previously served as the Chief Economic Consultant at the Resident Coordinator’s Office of the United Nations in Damascus.

I was previously a Senior Consultant at the World Bank, a Nonresident Scholar at the Middle East Institute, a Senior Analyst at the New Zealand Treasury, and a Senior Lecturer on Middle East Politics at Massey University. My extensive travels have taken me to many countries, and before settling in New Zealand, I lived in Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

I grew up in a beautiful Ottoman house in Aleppo. As the uprising began in 2011, I became actively involved in the civil movement against the Assad regime. Years later, our family home was barrel-bombed, and my family and I sought refuge across five different countries while the regime remained in power.

Since regaining access to Syria following Assad’s downfall in December 2024, I have remained optimistic about the country’s future. The road to liberty and prosperity is still long—but perhaps that’s why Cast Away, a story of survival, perseverance, and eventual return, is my favorite film. We each see the world through the lens of our experiences; I invite you to take a look through mine.

Published in:

The Brookings Institution

Foreign Policy

Carnegie Endowment

Middle East Institute

The Guardian

Foreign Affairs

Der Spiegel

Quoted in:

BBC

Reuters

New York Times

Syria TV

Al Jazeera

Al Arabiya

The Washington Post

AP news

I work at the center of day-to-day operations, ensuring that workflows remain clear, organized, and effective. My role brings together technical understanding and creative thinking, and as my responsibilities have expanded, my focus has shifted toward setting priorities, connecting teams, and supporting colleagues to deliver work smoothly and efficiently.

Managing multiple tasks and varying deadlines is a core part of my work, allowing me to maintain consistent performance across projects. My background as a Certified Assistant in Economics strengthens my analytical skills and enables me to contribute to improving the overall quality of outputs.

With more than ten years of experience as a MEAL Officer in Northwest Syria, I have developed strong attention to detail and practical leadership skills. This experience has involved working with diverse teams in complex and rapidly changing environments, tracking progress, refining processes, and fostering a collaborative and supportive workplace.

I perform best in environments that value continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and close teamwork. I also bring a solid ability to solve problems, make sound decisions, and guide teams toward shared goals with clarity and trust.

I lead the development of the monthly publication “Syria in Figures,” ensuring timely and high-quality reporting and editing. Additionally, I contribute to various research projects focused on Syria’s economy and politics. Prior to my current role, I spent three years with The Syria Report, where I gained a profound understanding of Syria’s political economy. I also collaborate with Lebanese organizations Triangle and The Badil, focusing on issues related to Lebanon.

Outside of work, I have a strong interest in the Middle East and languages, having lived in Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye for the past five years, during which I learned both Arabic and Turkish. Academically, I hold a Master’s degree in European Studies with a focus on Euro-Mediterranean Relations from the University of Aix-Marseille, France, and I possess an advanced Arabic language certification from the Institut Français du Proche-Orient in Jordan.

A political economy and development specialist, I have spent over a decade advising on stabilisation, aid mechanisms, and conflict economies in MENA. As a Senior Consultant with Karam Shaar Advisory Ltd, I guide international clients through high-risk geopolitical landscapes.

My advisory work includes shaping GIZ’s post-conflict strategy for Syria and leading West Bank policy analysis for COAR Global. This builds on foundational advisory, from helping shape the World Bank’s 'Building for Peace' strategy for MENA to engagements with institutions like UK's FCDO, Germany's KfW, and Mercy Corps.

My analysis on economic collapse and conflict dynamics—with organizations like the Wilson Center, COAR, and IMPACT—consistently informs donor responses and diplomatic strategy.

I hold a Master’s from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and a B.A. from the American University of Beirut, with a year of study at Sciences Po in Paris.

I am an Economic Analyst with experience in international finance and economic policy. For the past two years, I have been based in Beirut, navigating Lebanon’s economic freefall while leading projects on IMF funding, banking sector reform, and illicit finance—often under tight deadlines and shifting political realities. My work has since expanded to Syria, where I focus on international sanctions and their role in shaping the country’s economic recovery.

I hold an MSc in Economic History with Distinction from the University of Oxford and began my career as an Economics Reporter at Reuters, covering the French and Benelux markets. Before joining Karam Shaar Advisory LTD, I worked at Triangle, a Beirut-based think tank advocating for progressive reform in the Middle East & North Africa. I also studied Arabic at the Institut Français du Proche-Orient in Beirut. In my free time, I play the piano and travel with friends, always curious about the layers of history beneath each destination.

I am a senior associate (non-resident) with the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, with 20 years of experience working in complex humanitarian emergencies and conflict settings across the Middle East. My recent work on Syria includes roles with CSIS, The Shaikh Group, GIZ, Mayday Rescue, the Centre for Civilians in Conflict, and the US Refugee Affairs Division. I have lived and worked in more than fifteen countries, focusing on conflict resolution, governance, displacement, environmental issues, resilience, and civilian protection. My reports have informed congressional hearings and donor responses.

As a director with Mayday Rescue, I collaborated with the White Helmets to strengthen civilian infrastructure and mitigate the impact of explosive weapons. I am a regular commentator for major international media and the founder of Art in Exile. I hold a master’s from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and completed Fulbright and Boren fellowships in Jordan and Syria.

I am an expert in artificial intelligence and financial crime analysis, with more than fourteen years of professional experience in Canada and the Middle East. I have worked with organizations including Deloitte and TD Bank. My work includes developing AI strategies and projects using agentic AI, generative AI, OCR, and OSINT, as well as building graph technologies, applying social network analysis, and developing machine-learning models.
I am a co-founder of the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, a Canadian nonprofit organization focused on tracking and analyzing political and economic networks in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.
I have co-authored multiple data-driven research reports on key issues affecting Syria, including sanctions, narcotics, and crony capitalism. I have also translated a number of articles and books on self-organization, self-management, and systems thinking.
I hold a master’s degree from KAUST and a B.Sc. from KFUPM in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on artificial intelligence and computer engineering.

I am an Economic Researcher specializing in private-sector economic affairs, with extensive expertise in market analysis, feasibility studies, and economic policy development.

I studied Economics at the University of Aleppo and have over 13 years of experience that combines academic knowledge with practical entrepreneurial skills, having successfully founded and managed a food-industry business.

I regularly contribute in-depth analyses on economic policies and market trends to Syrian journals and publications. My expertise also includes training program development, research methodologies, data analysis, and strategic marketing planning.

I am a Senior Fellow and Director of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute, focusing on Syria, terrorism, and insurgency across the Levant. My work also examines regional security dynamics and the evolution of jihadist movements, including al-Qaeda and ISIS. I have served as a consultant to the UN’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, and as an expert witness and advisor on counterterrorism to US, European, and Australian authorities.

At MEI, I lead the Resolving the Detainee Crisis project with ICSR and the Syria Strategy Project with the Atlantic Council and the European Institute of Peace, producing the 2025 report Reimagining Syria. Previously, I was a Visiting Fellow at Brookings Doha and led engagement with more than 100 Syrian armed opposition groups. I hold an MA (Hons) in International Relations from the University of St. Andrews.

With extensive experience in the financial and banking sector, I specialize in strengthening governance and compliance frameworks. I hold a degree in Economics and a master’s degree from the University of Damascus, with a specialization in Banking and Insurance.
I spent several years working in supervisory and regulatory roles within the Syrian banking sector at the Central Bank of Syria. This experience allowed me to develop a strong understanding of Syrian financial and banking legislation, alongside a practical appreciation of international best practices.
My work in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) extends beyond the banking sector to include both government institutions and the private sector. I contributed to improving the effectiveness of Syria’s AML/CFT system through my work with the Syrian Financial Intelligence Unit and as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).

With a strong focus on the Syrian and Lebanese contexts, I specialize in the Syrian oil and gas sector, fiscal and monetary policy, and trade.

Since 2021, I have contributed to a variety of research projects at Karam Shaar Advisory Limited, expanding my expertise across a broad range of economic and political issues.

My professional experience spans the diplomatic field, the United Nations, and other NGOs, deepening my understanding of regional dynamics. I hold a BA in Law, a BS in Economics, and an MSc in Financial Economics, reflecting my passion for the intersection of law, politics, and economics.

I am skilled in data analysis using Stata and multilingual, with proficiency in Persian, which provides a unique advantage in analysing the Syrian context, particularly in light of Iran’s influence since the 2011 conflict.

I am a financial expert with over fourteen years of experience in financial auditing, regulatory compliance, and banking supervision. I hold a master’s degree in Finance and Banking from the Higher Institute of Business Administration (HIBA).
I previously served at the Central Bank of Syria, where I advanced to Head of the Off-Site Banking Supervision Division. In this role, I oversaw the Syrian banking sector across public and private, conventional and Islamic banks, as well as microfinance institutions. I led a team of more than twenty-four auditors, ensuring effective supervision, regulatory compliance, and sound financial governance.
My expertise includes IFRS and IAS standards, Basel frameworks, early warning indicators, risk assessment, internal control systems, and strengthening transparency and supervisory effectiveness.

I am a dedicated researcher with a foundation in media studies from Damascus University’s Faculty of Media. My expertise lies in leading Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research, creating interactive visualizations, and conducting in-depth data analysis. I take pride in uncovering key insights that shape impactful research and enjoy training my colleagues in the latest OSINT techniques and tools.

My professional journey includes roles as a Researcher at the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, Editor and Storyteller at MiCT Media Foundation-khatt30, and Journalist at Smart FM. I have a strong interest in podcast production and in conducting research that methodically distinguishes facts from myths. Outside of work, I find peace in tending to the plants on my tiny balcony, where I reflect on the beauty of nature.

As an Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) researcher, I specialize in actor mapping, building networks through OSINT tools to deepen our understanding of key players and relationships. My skillset is shaped by over eight years of field experience as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in education, protection, and capacity-building with both local and international organizations. This hands-on experience ensures that my research and reports are both insightful and grounded in real-world contexts.

I am a certified trainer in psychosocial support and case management, and I have contributed to accelerated education and literacy programs as a mathematics teacher.

My ongoing studies in Pharmacy, along with a certification as a Mathematical Assistant, enhance my analytical approach to every project I undertake. In addition to my research, I have managed local initiatives and volunteer teams in Northwest Syria, reflecting my commitment to leadership and community engagement. Above all, I view my work as a platform to advocate for justice in Syria.

I am a data expert and technologist focused on collecting and analyzing information using advanced programmatic tools, with an emphasis on database security and the use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in digital investigations. I assist research teams by preparing reports, organizing sources, and ensuring data accuracy and integrity.

My experience spans database management, digital infrastructure analysis, and social network mapping. I believe in the power of open knowledge and data-driven insights to foster political and social change in the region, and view my work as part of a broader movement toward a more conscious and transparent Arab Spring.

Inspired by a deep passion for knowledge, I draw from diverse fields like music, history, and philosophy, bringing a multidimensional lens to my research and analysis.

I genuinely enjoy data analysis and harnessing the power of publicly available data through programming tools. I bring experience in data processing, structuring, mining, and managing various database types to my role. My expertise in open-source investigations includes tracking individuals and entities worldwide, monitoring changes over time, and analyzing the activities of high-ranking government officials and business leaders.

I am proficient in analyzing images and videos, as well as geolocating them using satellite imagery and other open-source data. As a skilled fact-checker, I excel in gathering and cross-referencing primary and secondary data to uncover missing connections. My previous experience in data entry, combined with my current pursuit of a Computer Engineering degree at Şırnak University in Türkiye, provides me with a strong technical foundation for my work.

I am a Full Stack Developer based in Damascus with more than six years of professional experience in building and maintaining web applications. With a degree in Information Technology, I rely on a solid academic foundation to design reliable, scalable, and efficient digital solutions.
My work combines front-end and back-end development, with a core technical stack that includes JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS, NodeJS, and GoLang. I focus on translating business needs into clean, well-structured code, and I enjoy tackling complex technical challenges by applying modern development standards and continuously refining existing systems.
I am driven by problem-solving and continuous learning. I actively seek opportunities that push my technical boundaries and allow me to deliver high-quality products that create real value. Outside of work, I am a football enthusiast, and I bring the same appreciation for teamwork, coordination, and strategy from the field into my professional collaborations.

I am a Software Engineer specialized in Artificial Intelligence and a graduate of Damascus University. My work focuses on understanding problems at their core and transforming them into practical, reliable digital systems that deliver real value to users.
Throughout my professional journey, I have contributed to building digital projects and platforms across diverse fields, with a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and scalability. I value systematic thinking and organized workflows, and I believe technology is most effective when grounded in a clear foundation and guided by a long-term vision.
Beyond work, I am passionate about mathematics and logic-based games for their role in sharpening analytical thinking. I play chess to strengthen my planning and decision-making, regularly solve programming challenges to refine my skills, and enjoy football to maintain balance and teamwork.

I ensure the seamless operation of our communications by combining my excellent interpersonal skills and passion for computer science, cybersecurity, and programming. I oversee our website and manage the company’s social media platforms, handling everything from content creation to email campaigns.

Beyond technical oversight, I produce internal daily news briefs, support research reporting, and work on translations, enhancing clarity and readability. My attention to detail ensures smooth communication, bridging gaps and maximizing reach.

With a proactive mindset and a strong appreciation for both technology and language, I strive to create an efficient communication flow that strengthens our work. I take pride in making our content engaging, accessible, and impactful.

In my free time, I enjoy reading and exploring new languages, always seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding of different cultures.

With over 30 years of experience as an editor and proofreader, I bring a careful eye and a deep understanding of grammar and style to every project I touch. My role goes beyond ensuring reports are error-free—it’s about delivering clarity and precision. I’m also a writer, occasionally stepping into drafting reports myself, bringing the same dedication to language and communication.

My diverse experience spans complex reports, fiction, brochures, and websites, all of which have sharpened my ability to adapt to different writing styles and formats. With a B.S. in Business Administration – Marketing from the University of Maine at Machias, I approach every piece with a strategic mindset. As someone who’s always learning, I find exploring the nuances of the Syrian context particularly fascinating.

I am skilled in online verification and interpretation of data, open-source investigations, and data entry and analysis. My background at the Commercial Banking Institute provides a strong foundation for my focus on tracking the activities and financial assets of individuals potentially involved in human rights violations.

My previous roles include working as a data entry specialist and an administrative assistant, where I gained valuable experience. Currently, I am the team’s focal point for accessing secondary data and integrating it into the team’s database management. I am dedicated to enhancing my data management skills using SQL and automating data entry with Python and Excel VBA. My interests also encompass Big Data analysis tools like Hadoop and Spark, as well as enhancing my English proficiency and developing my writing skills for research reports.

I joined Karam Shaar Advisory in 2025, building on earlier experience with Baladi, a rights-based organization in southern Syria focused on legal and humanitarian issues. In that role, I held administrative, financial, and field positions, contributing to initiatives that promoted community awareness, countered disinformation, and supported local peacebuilding.

Alongside this work, I completed advanced human rights training with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Syria, strengthening my understanding of how economic policy intersects with justice and accountability in conflict settings.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Damascus and am committed to advancing inclusive, data-informed, and rights-based policy solutions for Syria’s future.

I contribute to a weekly publication that monitors key trends in the Syrian economy, focusing on policy analysis and its real-world impacts. I also co-author analytical pieces that aim to broaden public understanding of economic conditions in Syria.

As part of a remote research team, I support data collection, maintain research documentation, and assist with translation, editing, and occasional fieldwork.

Previously, I worked with Mercy Corps’ data team and Cadus’ finance department, gaining practical experience at the intersection of humanitarian operations and economic analysis. These roles strengthened my skills in data systems, reporting, and financial management in complex settings.

Outside of work, I find renewal in music and am passionate about helping others access trustworthy humanitarian support, believing in the power of small, personal acts to make a real difference.

I am a field researcher specializing in monitoring and analyzing the activities of companies, non-profit organizations, associations, and political parties. With extensive experience in data collection, analysis, and the preparation of objective reports, I contribute to advancing development initiatives and fostering positive change.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (BAIT) from the Syrian Virtual University, which has equipped me with the skills to effectively integrate technological tools into field research and data analysis. Additionally, I am currently pursuing advanced studies in economics, further deepening my understanding of economic and social dynamics and enhancing the methodological rigor of my research.

I am originally from Deir ez-Zor, a region to which I have strong personal ties, and I currently reside in Damascus. I bring a detail-oriented and analytical approach to my work and am particularly passionate about leveraging technology to enhance the quality and impact of research. I firmly believe in the transformative power of knowledge as a catalyst for meaningful and positive change in Syria.

I am a legal advisor with over 14 years of experience in Syrian law, specializing in civil and commercial company law, associations, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. In addition to my role as co-founder of Mouhamina Law Firm, I serve as a legal advisor at Karam Shaar Advisory Ltd., where I work with local and international private companies, NGOs, and international organizations to support compliance, governance, and effective legal strategies.

I have contributed to legislative reforms through committees amending key Syrian laws, including the Penal Code, the Personal Status Law, and the Anti-Begging Law. Beyond my professional practice, I am actively engaged in civil society, having founded and supported several initiatives. I am passionate about legal education, dialogue, and peacebuilding, and I believe in the law as a tool to empower individuals and communities toward a fairer and more stable future.

I am an OSINT and data collection specialist. With a background in citizen journalism focused on human rights in Syria, I combine technical expertise in programming, automation, and geospatial tools with an in-depth understanding of political, economic, and humanitarian contexts.

I am a self-taught learner who thrives on curiosity—whether mastering GIS, exploring astronomy, studying aeronautical engineering, or delving into climate change and cybersecurity. I am equally fascinated by economic trends and history, and I often lose myself in fictional novels in my free time.

Over the years, I have contributed to projects ranging from conflict monitoring and humanitarian assessments to AI-powered geospatial applications, always with the goal of transforming complex information into clear, actionable insights.

I am an enthusiastic researcher and journalist driven by a commitment to unraveling the complexities of Syrian sanctions and their far-reaching implications. By collaborating closely with Syrian actors and foreign ministries, I am dedicated to leaving no stone unturned in understanding these critical measures and exploring how they can be reformed to enhance their positive impacts while minimizing unintended negative consequences.

My dedication to working on Syria is grounded in my experience as a freelance journalist, where I reported on pressing humanitarian and political issues for esteemed outlets such as Al Jazeera English, Middle East Eye, The New Humanitarian, The New Arab, and Syria Direct. With a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Virginia, I combine academic rigor with real-world insights to enrich my research.

With over seven years of experience, I specialize in high-performance digital campaigns across Meta, Google, and TikTok, and in developing WordPress websites. My work integrates SEO, paid media, and mobile-first UX design to deliver measurable results.

I focus on scaling ad performance, optimizing multilingual platforms, and improving user experience through a detail-oriented, data-driven approach. I hold a degree in biomedical engineering and speak Arabic, English, and Turkish fluently.

Based in Türkiye for over a decade, I bring analytical precision and creative execution to fast-evolving digital markets. Outside of work, I’m passionate about building productivity systems and automating workflows through smart, intuitive design.

As a mother of three, I view work as a space of hope—a place where commitment brings purpose and keeps us truly alive. I began my journey with the company by supporting the management of our social media platforms. I also track daily news that feeds into our research reports, in addition to handling some translation tasks, data entry, and organizing reference links that strengthen our articles and studies.

I am driven by a desire to learn and to experiment with new tools and methods that enhance outcomes and advance the company’s mission, particularly through strategic promotion and positioning the firm as a political and economic reference for interested audiences.

Through this work, I show my children that perseverance is the surest path to success, and that one can always assert their potential, regardless of the circumstances.

I am a senior student at Georgetown University in Qatar, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service. I major in International Economics, with a minor in Government. My academic interests center on political economy, development, and economic governance in the Middle East. Through my coursework, research, and extracurricular engagement, I have developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking, economic interpretation, and regional political analysis.

At Karam Shaar Advisory, I contribute to research and analytical projects, including the Syria in Figures monthly publication. My role allows me to apply and deepen my academic knowledge while gaining exposure to real-world economic analysis, data interpretation, and policy-relevant research. The work directly complements my studies and strengthens my understanding of how economic systems, private-sector developments, and governance challenges shape outcomes in Syria and the wider region.

I am a data entry specialist with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in data processing, verification, and analysis across civil society, education, and IT-related projects. I hold a post-secondary teaching qualification, a Diploma in Management and Leadership, and a Diploma in Management Information Systems. I have strong technical experience in computer maintenance, gained through extensive work in the education sector, information technology units, and computer skills training programs.

I have served as a long-term data entry professional for multiple civil society organizations, supporting large-scale projects that required precision, confidentiality, and timely delivery. I am proficient in deep research using open-source tools and committed to continuous learning in information technology and emerging digital skills.

I am highly attentive to detail, capable of managing multiple tasks under pressure, and dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and quality. I believe that mastering one’s work is the foundation of professional success. I am also a graduate of the Great Syrian Revolution Academy.

I am an Economist with over eight years of experience specializing in field auditing, regulatory compliance, and risk-based supervision. During my tenure at the Central Bank of Syria, I led banking supervision teams, developing annual oversight plans based on institutional risk profiles.
My expertise lies in applying international standards, including Basel recommendations and the CAMELS rating system, to evaluate capital adequacy and liquidity. With a Master’s in Quality Management and advanced training in AML and credit risk modeling, I focus on transforming complex financial data into strategic recommendations.
I am passionate about enhancing transparency and systemic stability, bringing a meticulous, analytical mindset to every challenge to ensure the integrity of the financial institutions I serve.