“It is only the threat of force that has brought the Syrians to this point, a point that they’ve resisted for decades,” says Brookings Institution senior fellow William Galston. “So it is unrealistic to forswear the use of force unless and until an agreement can be reached.” More →

September 13, 2013

“Is there just cause and right intention? Yes, there’s a grave public evil with a chemical weapons attack. But on criteria of last resort, proportional response, probability of success, this strike idea really falls short of the mark.” More →

August 30, 2013

Some Turkish Alawites say their concerns are driven less by sympathy for the Assad regime than by a fear of what might replace it. More →

January 4, 2013