Conceived as the principal defenders of the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has evolved into an institution with vast political, economic, and military power.

This year, the continued violent reimposition of government control in Syria was included as a top tier priority in the Center for Preventive Action’s annual Preventive Priorities Survey.

In striking Syria without an international law justification, the United States leaves itself open to criticism and may invite similar behavior by other countries.