Tag Archives: Syria

Borders and Bodies

Posted on July 18, 2014 by jackgoldstone

The world has recently seen what seems like a sudden eruption of violence and disorder, from civil war in Ukraine and Iraq and Syria to Israel’s invasion of Gaza.  There is also Boko Haram attacking young men and women in … Continue reading →

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Putin plays his hand well – but with what result?

Posted on September 12, 2013 by jackgoldstone

President Vladimir Putin has skillfully taken advantage of the opening given, almost by accident, by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, for Russia to frame the debate on what to do about the civil war raging in Syria. Russia’s strategic … Continue reading →

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Syria Classified Cable

Posted on August 30, 2013 by jackgoldstone

“Starting this fire will be like a spark in a large store of gunpowder, with unclear and unspecified outcomes and consequences,” Khamenei told Iranian Cabinet members this week. “The U.S. threats and possible intervention in Syria is a disaster for … Continue reading →

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Too late now to intervene in Syria

Posted on June 13, 2013 by jackgoldstone

Readers of this blog know that I have long advocated US intervention in Syria’s conflict — short of sending in ground troops, but to include establishing humanitarian aid corridors, liberated zones, no-fly zones, and weapons to rebel groups.  The main goal of … Continue reading →

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Syria to lock down or explode

Posted on May 31, 2013 by jackgoldstone

Ian Bremmer did a wonderful take on the deteriorating situation in Syria for the Financial Times.  He points out this is now a full-fledged proxy war, with Hezbollah and Iran fully committed to backing their proxy, Bashar al-Assad, who is … Continue reading →

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Egypt Riots, Syria Suffers — Sad anniversary of the Arab Spring

Posted on January 27, 2013 by jackgoldstone

The riots and resumption of martial law in three cities in Egypt had led many to again call the Egyptian revolution a failure.  Meanwhile, as Syria’s Assad declines to depart and marshalls his forces for further attacks in Homs, that … Continue reading →

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Who will help Syria’s opposition?

Posted on March 6, 2012 by jackgoldstone

Senator McCain has boldly called for NATO to do in Syria as it did in Libya; utilize air power to create safe havens for the opposition.  While this is a step in the right direction, I think McCain goes to … Continue reading →

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A Little Pressure, A Lack of Leadership

Posted on February 23, 2012 by jackgoldstone

France and Britain came out strongly today to press Syria for a cease-fire, following the deaths of journalists Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik, and severe injuries to three other western journalists due to shelling in the city of Homs.  European … Continue reading →

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Greece crashes, Syria burns

Posted on February 10, 2012 by jackgoldstone

These are dispiriting days in Europe.  I am in the Hague today, meeting with the foreign ministry.  There is a sense of distress, and sadness. The latest economic figures from Greece show a massive decline in output, jobs, and tax … Continue reading →

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What is Russia Doing In Syria?

Posted on February 7, 2012 by jackgoldstone

The vetoes by Russia and China at the U.N. Security Council, cast to forestall possible action against Bashar al-Assad in Syria, were a major disappointment. But is Russia simply going to prop up Assad?  I do not think so.  The … Continue reading →

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