Syria: In the Middle of a Long Cycle

... fairly unchanged even after Assad leaves the stage. If that is so, Syria has two goals for the near future. The minimum goal is to prevent further escalation of the conflict, more casualties and greater destruction of the country. That will require the Astana process to be preserved just as well as reinvigorated, not because it is perfect but simply because the international community has nothing else. Preserving the status quo does not sound too impressive but a mediocre peace is, in any case, better ...