The US has hoped and wished and in the last 12 years backed armed opposition efforts to depose Syrian President Bashar Assad. After a bloody war that has left the country in virtual ruins, Assad remains in power. Not only that, but Arab leaders are now bringing him back into the regional fold. The U.S. isn't happy, but what can it do? Joshua Landis, University of Oklahoma professor and Director of the school's Center of Middle East Studies, joins Dan and Kelley this week to talk about one thing that should happen, and that's the lifting of crippling sanctions on the Syrian people. Josh talks about that and Middle East regional dynamics, including China's growing influence and Washington's reaction.
In the first segment, Kelley and Dan talk about more Washington disappointment, as India just isn't playing ball, at least not the game the Biden Administration wants to play.
Recently from Joshua Landis:
US should encourage Arab, Turkish normalization with Syria, Responsible Statecraft, 4/7/23
Arab leaders flip the script on Syria. Does the US get left behind? Josh Landis explains