The Syria Strike Debate: A Political Scorecard

by Mitchell Plitnick It’s too early to tell yet whether Russia’s initiative has removed the threat of a U.S. strike on Syria over the alleged use of chemical weapons. While the signs are as good as could be hoped for… Continue Reading

Syria Debate Throws Pro-Israel Groups For A Loss

by Mitchell Plitnick Syria’s declaration that it would accept a Russian proposal to hand over its chemical weapons to an international body was the latest in a string of surprises around international concern over the ongoing, horrific civil war in… Continue Reading

Iran Looms over Syria Debate for Pro-Israel Groups

by Jim Lobe via IPS News With Congress still deliberating over Barack Obama’s request for authorisation to take military action against Syria, the powerful Israel lobby here has taken the lead in pressing the president’s case. But in addition to… Continue Reading

Obama Punts Syria Question To Congress

by Mitchell Plitnick US President Barack Obama’s decision to use force in response to Syria’s use of chemical weapons but to seek Congressional approval before doing so was very surprising. It is a major reversal of the behavior of every… Continue Reading

Syria Spotlights Problematic International Law

by Mitchell Plitnick Russia is not staying silent as the US appears to be positioning itself for an attack on the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. Defending its last key ally in the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned… Continue Reading