American Criticism of Syrian Policy Unconvincing
At a conference in Damascus, American officials accused Syria of complicity in terrorist networks running cross-border operations into Iraq. Syria has previously denounced the flagrant violation of its state sovereignty by US troops and claimed that it was a victim rather than an aggressor, denying any active involvement with terrorists. Other conference attendees, including Iran, Russia, China, and Iraq, took more empathic stances regarding the issue, indicating that a stabilized Iraq was universally beneficial for the region, including Syria. Furthermore, Russian and Chinese delegates pointed out that the United States has used Iraq as a base, and an excuse, to engage in exactly the sort of aggressive behavior for which it is currently condemning. Questions over the future of the region hang in the air as influential players across the board remain in a holding pattern in anticipation of possible dynamic-shifting events.
Zack Freundlich
