Obama’s Winning Formula for Syria

With brutal force and intimidation visible the world over, Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad has lost his countrymen’s support. The international community responds with condemnation and sanctions. Al-Assad can resign, lead in establishing democratic rights or live life as a pariah. Regardless, Al-Assad is weakened, and that benefits the US, explains policy analyst Ali Younes for Ahram Weekly. If Al-Assad leaves, a new regime won’t hurry to renew old alliances; if he stays, the US can pressure the weakened leader to reduce support for Hamas, Hezbollah and even Iran. To ensure his survival, Al-Assad could even sign a treaty with Israel. The US ambassador to Syria is in place, Younes notes, allowing deal-making to proceed. Younes argues, “US President Barack Obama has positioned American policy towards Syria in a win-win situation, with or without Al-Assad in power.” And with global communications in place, human rights for Syrians will remain a priority for many in the international community. – YaleGlobal