Syria: Towards a Political Solution

Summary:

As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the urgency of finding a political solution is increasing. Kofi Annan has launched this process, but more effort will be needed to unify the international community to exert pressure on Bashar al-Assad.

This Policy Memo proposes a political strategy that gives Moscow the lead role in formulating a ceasefire, and accedes to its demand that negotiations with the regime not be preconditioned on Assad’s demise.