Syria

On Topic

More than two years after protests began in Syria against President Bashar al-Assad, fighting continues in an increasingly brutal and destructive civil war. Recent developments of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian-made missiles near the capital and confirmation that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons have further escalated the conflict. Brookings experts assess the current situation, the possible outcomes and next steps.

Smoke rises after shells exploded in the Syrian village of Al Rafeed, close to the ceasefire line between Israel and Syria, as seen from the Israeli occupied Golan Heights (REUTERS/Baz Ratner).

Opinion

Israel’s Three Gambles in Syria

May 7, 2013, Daniel L. Byman and Natan B. Sachs

In the past few days, Israeli aircraft reportedly targeted Iranian surface-to-surface missiles headed for Hezbollah, as well as Syrian missiles in a military base in the outskirts of Damascus. Daniel Byman examines three reasons why these strikes are a gamble.

Recent Activity

Refine by: Middle East and North Africa | The Arab Awakening and Middle East Unrest | International Affairs | U.S. Foreign Policy

Interview | ABC Lateline

Obama's Foreign Policy in his Second Term

May 2, 2013, Martin S. Indyk
Interview | Voice of Russia

Will reports of chemical weapons spur global action on Syria?

May 2, 2013, Salman Shaikh
Interview | NPR

Syria, Chemical Weapons, And The Intervention Question

April 29, 2013, Shadi Hamid
In the News

I don't expect a response [to Syria] soon because all the fiscal constraints on the Obama administration. Not to mention sequestering — the motion currently in the United States Congress — means it would be really hard-pressed to find the funding to do this. We're talking about budgets right now being cut for traffic controllers...that's priority over liberating the Syrian people.
April 29, 2013, Bessma Momani , Yahoo! News
Expert Q & A | Elizabeth Ferris and Megan Bradley

Syria's Humanitarian Crisis Has No End in Sight

April 25, 2013, Elizabeth Ferris, Megan Bradley and Shelly Pitterman
In the News

The president’s red line appears to have been crossed. The administration has to take some time to decide what to do about [Syria’s alleged chemical weapons use]. But if they end up leaving the impression that the president is not willing to enforce his red line, that will have consequences in the region, particularly when it comes to Iran’s nuclear program, as well as for our ability to deter Assad’s use of chemical weapons in Syria.
April 25, 2013, Martin S. Indyk, New York Times
Expert Q & A | Martin S. Indyk and Javier Solana

A World in Turmoil: An Exploration of Issues Affecting Today's Global Order

April 5, 2013, Martin S. Indyk and Javier Solana
Interview | NPR

The Fear That Drives Russia's Support For Syria's Assad

March 27, 2013, Fiona Hill
In the News

Erdogan is desperately trying to figure out some form of solution in Syria ... Putin has all the patience to see events play out. What worries him is not the bloodshed but the collapse of Syria, and the knock-on effects of that further afield.
March 15, 2013, Fiona Hill, The National
Expert Q & A | Salman Shaikh

U.S. Intervention in Syria

March 1, 2013, Salman Shaikh