A U.S. Strategy for Dealing with Syria

Publication Date: December 1985

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James A. Phillips

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Middle East

Type: Report

Coverage: Syria

Abstract:

President Hafez Assad has scored several foreign policy victories by manipulating surrogate groups to make things uncomfortable for his enemies and then grinding down their will to resist. Until now, time has been on his side. But Syria's groaning economy and declining financial aid from the Arab world poses a long-term threat to the growth of his military power while the prospect of a struggle for succession threatens Syria's goal of hegemony over Greater Syria. Time is no longer on Assad's side. Washington should take advantage of these trends to press Assad to end his support of terrorism and to
coordinate efforts with his neighbors to reduce the threat that he poses to them.