The United States and Syria: Policy Options
With U.S. policy in Iraq now under review, not to mention the worsening crises in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, a growing debate has emerged about relations between Washington and another Middle East hot spot—Syria. Should the United States continue to rely on a policy of isolation, or is the time ripe for cautious engagement? With bilateral relations now at their lowest point in a generation, is renewed cooperation even possible? Can Syria be convinced to play a more positive role in Iraq, to end its intimidation and interference in Lebanese politics, and to move from rejectionism to peacemaking vis-à-vis Israel? What would the United States have to offer in return?
To explore these questions, USIP is convening a panel of leading specialists and former officials who have met with a wide range of Syrian figures and recently traveled to that country.
Speakers
- Scott Lasensky
Senior Research Associate, U.S. Institute of Peace - Robert Malley
Director of the Middle East Program, International Crisis Group; Former Senior Director, National Security Council - Robert Satloff
Executive Director, Washington Institute for Near East Policy - Mona Yacoubian
Special Adviser to the Muslim World Initiative, U.S. Institute of Peace