Syria Strike Would Put Peace Further Out of Reach

Research suggests that foreign intervention makes conflicts last longer: “A significant amount of research, including my own, demonstrates that military interventions from outside states lengthen and make bloodier civil wars,” writes Patrick Regan, political scientist and peace advocate. “The data include roughly 1,000 interventions into 100 civil wars over the last 60 years, with research carried out by multiple research teams.” Regan questions the wisdom of a limited strike on Syria that would hit civilians not responsible for chemical attacks and could expand the conflict throughout the region. He also joins other critics in claiming the strategic objective for the United States – beyond “sending a message” – is unclear. A US strike could motivate sides to act more resolutely, perhaps more ruthlessly, and the US and other nations could not help but be drawn into a long, costly regional war. He urges immediate diplomacy: “The only pathway by which external interventions consistently make for shorter or less bloody wars is through diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement.” – YaleGlobal