Syria

More decisive American engagement would simultaneously end doubts about the United States’ commitment to Syria and save Turkey from being pulled further into a conflict that threatens to derail the impressive political and economic progress of the last decade.

Increased U.S. support for the opposition and credible threats of military force are vital to altering the calculations of other parties and advancing diplomacy.

The Obama administration has made intervention in Syria dependent on the Arab League, which is utterly unprepared to act.

Three of journalism's leading observers of Washington and U.S. national security shared their insights into Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's keynote remarks at the Institute's 2013 Soref Symposium.

The May 16 summit provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation on Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Iran.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel delivered keynote remarks at the Institute's 2013 Soref Symposium in Washington, DC, on May 9, 2013. Download Secretary Hagel's prepared remarks (PDF) Download a transcript of Secretary Hagel's conversation with Institute executive director Robert Satloff (PDF)

While surface-to-surface missiles have not changed the course of the war, their introduction is in line with past regime escalation -- a pattern that will likely to apply to chemical weapons use if the international reaction remains muted.

Alleged chemical weapons use by Syria is pushing the United States toward action, but Russia, China, and Iran might have something to say about that.

The Institute's counselor testified before the Senate regarding the need for action on Syria. The following is an excerpt from his prepared remarks ; download the PDF to read the full testimony, or read the version republished in Foreign Policy under the title "It's Time to Act in Syria." "...There