The Syrian regime is supported by China, Iran, and Russia, the rebels by the United States and its Arab allies, and Europe.
Syrian Citizens Stuck Between the Regime’s Rock and the Rebels’ Hard Place
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Bashar Al-Assad
History — Not to Mention Reality — Aren’t on Assad’s Side
Syrian President Assad is also losing the public relations war.
Hamas in the New Middle East
As Hamas’ break with its longtime patron Bashar al-Assad illustrates, the Palestinian Islamist group is adapting to the new Middle East. Even with new bombs pounding Gaza, the group is bound to be recognized as a legitimate international player in due course–and the Israelis would do well to take a lesson.
Hezbollah Hedges Its Bets on Assad
The Party of God will not disappear even if the Assad regime does. Nonetheless, if the Ba’athist order in Syria falls, Hezbollah will be compelled to operate in a more challenging environment, both domestically and regionally.
Syria and the Dogs of War
“Blood and destruction,” “dreadful objects,” and “pity choked” was the Bard’s searing characterization of what war visits upon the living. It is a description that increasingly parallels the ongoing war in Syria, which is likely to worsen unless the protagonists step back and search for a diplomatic solution to the 17-month-old civil war.
Syria’s Sectarian Echoes in Turkey
Turkey has become one of Bashar Al-Assad’s main enemies since Erdogan turned on his old friend in response to the Syrian regime’s brutal crackdown on the opposition. But the sectarian character of Syria’s civil war has created tensions within Turkey that complicate the triangular relationship among Ankara, Damascus, and the armed Syrian opposition.
How We Can Replace Defense Jobs
As the post-9-11 wars finally begin to end, we can shrink the Pentagon budget. Here is a three-part strategy for replacing the jobs currently dependent on military production we don’t need.
The Real Metric for Syria Is Russia’s Realpolitik
A more accurate bellwether of the tide turning in Syria will be if Russia decides it no longer needs President Assad.
Syria’s Stalin and His Gulag
Human Rights Watch has produced a damning report on Syria’s torture regime.
Turkish F-4 Activated Syrian Radar to Scope Out Blind Spots
Most combat radar is kept in a passive mode to prevent a potential enemy from mapping out weaknesses or blind spots that can be useful in the advent of an attack.