Understanding Syria's national strategy is one of the most complex and controversial questions of contemporary Middle East politics. Many government officials, policy analysts, and journalists wrongly predicted that Syria was ready to make a peace agreement with Israel. Clearly, important factors were left out of the equation. To examine Syrian thinking and policy, perhaps the single most interesting document is the January 2000 speech by Syrian foreign minister Faruq al-Shara to the Arab … [Read more...]

UNDERSTANDING SYRIAN POLICY: AN ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN MINISTER FARUQ AL-SHARA’S EXPLANATION  By Barry Rubin Editor's Summary: In studying the contemporary Middle East, one of the most controversial and complex challenges is comprehending Syria’s regional strategy and policy toward the peace process. The author believes that Syria is stuck between its traditional hardline stance and attempts to develop a more flexible approach. This article provides a detailed analysis of … [Read more...]