Includes bibliographical references (pages 70-76).
Note
Description based on online resource, PDF version; title from cover (USIP, viewed September 25, 2019).
Contents
Executive summary. The Syrian Conflict and American interests -- Assessment of the current situation in Syria -- Recommendations for U.S. policy -- Why Syria matters. ISIS and al-Qaeda -- Iran -- Russia -- Refugees -- International norms -- Assessment of the current situation in Syria. ISIS and al-Qaeda -- Iran -- The Syrian Civil War -- The peace process -- Russia -- Turkey -- The Syrian Kurds -- Civilian protection -- The humanitarian challenge -- U.S. points of leverage -- Recommendations.
Summary
"The United States cannot avoid or ignore the conflict in Syria. From the outset of hostilities, minimizing American involvement in the war and safeguarding U.S. national security interests have proven to be incompatible goals. This will remain the case for the foreseeable future. The essential question before American policymakers is not whether the United States should keep or withdraw its forces in Syria, but what strategy and mix of tools will best protect the United States from the conflict's reverberations and advance American interests. This report sets out such a strategy" -- Publisher's web site.
