Mohamad Bazzi writes that negotiating peace between Israel and Syria is both, urgent and feasible and the Obama administration should actively attempt brokering a deal between the two sides.

Unlike the Israel-Palestine conflict, improving relations between Israel and Syria is a much more feasible task, writes Mohamad Bazzi.

This module features teaching notes by Mona Yacoubian, coauthor of the Council Special Report Dealing with Damascus, along with other resources to supplement the text. In this report, Mona Yacoubian and Scott Lasensky argue that the U.S. approach of isolating and undermining the Syrian regime has largely failed. The authors suggest that diplomatic engagement with Syria would be a more effective means of accomplishing U.S. goals in the region.

Elliott Abrams, former chief Middle East adviser on the National Security Council, says the Obama administration's move to send diplomats to Damascus for talks marks "a real policy change" but he is doubtful it will amount to much.

Richard N. Haass urges the United States to take part in peace talks between Syria and Israel. He writes: "Damascus is signaling that it's ready to negotiate a separate peace with Israel. It won't happen without America's help. The silent treatment has to stop."

Kaveh L. Afrasiabi, a former advisor to Iran's nuclear negotiating team, says the U.S. cross-border incursion from Iraq into Syria has Tehran worried about the implications for its own territory.

Middle East expert Mona Yacoubian says diplomatic moves in the Middle East indicate that various parties are becoming "increasingly alarmed" about regional volatility.

Syria’s improving relations with its Arab neighbors, its consent to indirect talks with Israel and its influence in the region have created ripe circumstances for the U.S. to revive a dialogue with Damascus, says Mohamad Bazzi

In this Council Special Report, Mona Yacoubian and Scott Lasensky make a strong case that the Bush administration’s policy of diplomatic isolation of Syria is not serving U.S. interests, and offer informed history and thoughtful analysis of the country and its external behavior. This report is also available in Italian.

Counterterrorism expert Daniel L. Byman says Hezbollah is "the most powerful single political movement in Lebanon" and remains a potent guerrilla force.

Joshua Landis, a leading Syria specialist, says a prospective Syrian-Israeli peace agreement is "very feasible," though perhaps not quickly.

Washington’s disclosure of an Israeli air strike on a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor has raised questions about both Syrian and U.S. motives in the region.

Hamas had a historic opportunity this week. By sending Carter home essentially empty-handed, Hamas allowed Israel and the Bush Administration to declare his mission a failure—and squandered a crucial opening, says Mohamad Bazzi.

Mohamad Bazzi, former Middle East correspondent for Newsday, says evidence suggests Israel’s intelligence agents as the most likely source of the bomb that killed Hezbollah terrorist chief Imad Mugniyah, but other scenarios also are feasible.

The assassination of Hezbollah’s mastermind and new U.S. sanctions against Syria could have lasting effects for regional stability and the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Seymour M. Hersh of the New Yorker asks why Israel bombed in Syria.