Topic: Andrew Tabler

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Why it took so long for Obama to say Syria's Assad must go

Obama's call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to resign was a long time coming. The US president didn't wait as long after protests broke out in Egypt to say that Hosni Mubarak had to go.
Why hasn't President Obama called for Syria's Assad to go?

As the death count rises in Syria, calls are mounting for President Obama to denounce Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. But Syria's pivotal role in the region and fragile ethnic and religious balance are complicating the situation.
Syria defiant despite increased regional pressure

Turkey's foreign minister pushed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today to end the violence. But Syria, which launched more assaults today, has rarely yielded to such pressure in the past.
Assad's speech may buy time, but not survival

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave his first speech in two months today, offering elections and reforms this summer in an apparent bid to secure the patience of Syria's silent majority.
Has Syria's peaceful uprising turned into an insurrection?

The Syrian regime's claims that 120 soldiers and security personnel were killed in Jisr al-Shughur over the weekend have intensified the debate over who is behind the uptick in armed resistance.
Once seen as shy reformer, Syria's Assad confounds hopes

Many thought that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was at heart a reformer. But his response to unprecedented protests and violence suggest otherwise.
Could Syria see an uprising like Egypt's? Not likely.

In Syria, opposition activists are organizing their own 'day of rage' – but longstanding intimidation tactics and repression make it unlikely significant numbers will be out on the streets.
US sends ambassador to Syria for the first time in six years

US ambassador Robert Ford faces a daunting list of diplomatic concerns in Syria. If he fails to make headway, the Senate could bring him home by year's end.
Rafik Hariri murder probe hinders progress on Lebanon-Syria ties

The Hariri murder probe is getting closer to issuing indictments, straining ties between Lebanon and Syria and complicating US goals in the region.
A divided Lebanon waits for Iran's Ahmadinejad

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is making his first visit to Lebanon tomorrow. Hezbollah awaits with joy, its political opponents complain of Iranian meddling, and Israel is eying its northern border.
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks under threat from Hamas. Can Syria help?

US envoy George Mitchell arrived in Damascus today after Israeli-Palestinian peace talks culminated in Jerusalem. He may ask President Bashar Assad to lean on Hamas amid fresh Gaza air strikes.
US-Iran dynamic: Why US effort to leverage Syria is flagging

In a bid to strengthen Washington's hand in the US-Iran dynamic, President Obama has sought to woo Syria. But as those efforts stall, Syria is drawing closer to Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
Fearful of Iran's influence, Saudi king reaches out to Syria

Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, has switched from a policy of isolation toward engagement. Some hope the warming could bolster US Middle East peace efforts.
Will Syria play key role in Obama's Mideast peace efforts?

US envoy Mitchell was in Egypt Thursday, and arrives in Damascus Friday. Syrians hope for a new rapprochement under an Obama administration.
Why Syria and Saudi Arabia are talking again

It's about Iran, Iraq, and Israel. The two foes planned to meet in Riyadh Wednesday to solidify Arab unity amid regional volatility.
How a murder investigation could snarl Mideast peace

Syria is the prime suspect in former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination. But many say an international tribunal could cause it to turn away from engaging with the West and Israel.
Syrian bombing: A jihadi attack?

The weekend bombing that killed at least 17 people was the worst of its kind since Syria's battle with the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1970s and 80s.
Syria eyes an edge amid Russia-U.S. rift

Damascus is seeking an arms deal with Moscow, a move that would bolster its position in the Middle East.
Syria sees warming ties in Middle East

Its improved standing poses challenge to US policy of isolation.
Even with sanctions, Syrians embrace KFC and Gap

With American goods already flooding Damascus, analysts say lifting restrictions will help counter Iran's influence.