Syria::Articles

International Crisis Group - December, 2009
In a companion report with identical policy recommendations published on 14 December 2009, Crisis Group analyzed the factors behind Damascus's strategic evolution. Here, it explores in detail the mechanism, extent and limitations of these adjustments as well as challenges faced by the Obama administration if it wishes to exploit and solidify them.
International Crisis Group - December, 2009
At the heart of the problem is a profound mismatch of expectations. The West wants to know whether Syria is ready to fundamentally alter its policies -- loosen or cut ties to Iran, Hamas and Hizbollah; sign a peace deal with Israel -- as a means of stabilising the region. Syria, before contemplating any fundamental strategic shift, wants to know where the region and its most volatile conflicts are headed, whether the West will do its part to stabilize them and whether its own interests will be secured.
Frederic C. Hof
U.S. Institute of Peace - March, 2009
Syrian-Israeli "proximity" peace talks orchestrated by Turkey in 2008 revived along-dormant track of the Arab-Israeli peace process. Although the talks were suspended because of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, Israeli-Syrian peace might well facilitate a Palestinian state at peace with Israel.
Joshua Landis
Syria Comment - March, 2009
The barriers standing in front of a successful peace process are many. First, the debilitating imbalance of power between Syria and Israel stands out above all others. Second, the US is not an impartial or neutral mediator, but a lawyer for Israel. Third, underlying these problems are the radically different world-views of each side and deep mistrust for each other, due to decades of demonization and warfare.
International Crisis Group - February, 2009
There are indications of potential common ground on which to build, from resuming Israeli-Syrian negotiations, to consolidating progress in Iraq to blunting the rise of jihadi militancy and sectarianism. But significant obstacles to healthy, mutually beneficial relations remain, along with a legacy of estrangement and distrust.
International Crisis Group - January, 2009
As the incoming U.S. administration examines the future of its relationship with Syria, seemingly persuaded that an improvement in bilateral ties and an Israeli-Syrian agreement could fundamentally modify the regional landscape, France's recent experience offers useful lessons.
Bilal Y. Saab
Brookings - November, 2008
Despite the grim news currently surrounding US-Syrian relations, the most notable being the US raid into Syrian territory in October, the potential for improved relations between the two countries under the administration of US President-elect Barack Obama is possible.
Ahmad Khalidi
Conflicts Forum - January, 2008
Human Rights Watch - December, 2007
Nader Kabbani and Noura Kamel
Brookings Wolfensohn Center - December, 2007
Joshua Landis
Syria Comment Blog - November, 2007
Shana Marshall
Foreign Policy in Focus - October, 2007
Leon T. Hadar
Independent Institute - October, 2007
David W. Lesch
The Century Foundation - September, 2007
Moshe Ma'oz
The Century Foundation - September, 2007
Yahoo - Mideast Conflict

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East Jerusalem lies at core of conflict (AP)

EU calls on Israel top reverse settlement decision (AFP)