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.

Amid increasing fears of a civil war in Syria following the failure of the UN Security Council resolution, analysts remain divided over the question of intervention and how best to address the crisis.

The Arab League's decision to suspend Syria if it fails to end its violence must be followed by economic and political sanctions, including trade and oil embargoes, say analysts.

Despite Syria's agreement to an Arab League-brokered peace deal, the Assad regime's continued repression of protests could lead to a civil war in the country and greater regional upheaval, say experts.

Syria's upheaval has entered a new, perilous phase. Tougher regime crackdowns risk splintering the country into sectarian war, say experts, while debate over international action intensifies.

Libya, Syria, and Egypt headline the latest "Arab Awakening" developments. This CFR Issue Guide offers expert insight into the causes and consequences of the region's upheaval.

The United States and some international partners are pressuring Damascus through the UN and other channels as the Assad regime crackdown on protesters intensifies. Expert opinion remains mixed on whether the Syrian government can be weakened.

A crackdown in Hama and Amnesty International's call for reporting Syria's government to the ICC place new focus on the Assad regime's stability, yet international response has been muted.

As Syrian dissidents try to end the current violence, there is mounting concern over the consequences of growing unrest in a region already roiling with protest.

The Syrian regime's intensifying crackdown on protesters has alarmed some countries in the region and stirred international concern, but there is little consensus about how to curb the violence and little appetite for military intervention.

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.

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.

A series of issues, including the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip, has drawn attention once more to Iran’s partnership with Syria and what it portends for the Middle East.

A long U.S. effort to isolate Syria appears to be fraying as player after player in the Middle East open a dialogue with Damascus.

The assassination of Pierre Gemayel, a prominent anti-Syrian cabinet minister, further destabilizes a shaky political balance in Lebanon. The nation is left teetering at the edge of a crisis, the effects of which could ripple across the region.

The Security Council resolution that ended the monthlong war with Israel called for the disarmament of Hezbollah. But new reports suggest the group continues to smuggle in weapons from Syria, which, if true, could threaten the delicate peace in the region.

As Israel draws most of the world's criticism for the scope of its actions in Lebanon, the country says it will consider an international stabilization force on the border.