Analytical Memo Syria Crisis - 1214 Words

Nikki Mercer Period 3 October 13, 2015 Analytical Memo: Syria Crisis What started out as low-scale anti-government protests in 2011, have now uproared to an entire civil war throughout Syria, as well as involving other neighboring countries and outside nations. Over twelve million Syrians have been forced to leave and over 250,000 have already been killed. Jihadist militants from Islamic State are taking control over almost half the territory of Syria, as well as parts of Iraq, and the public claims that Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad is not taking the right or necessary steps to help find the solution to this chaos, which causes some countries to strongly encourage him to step down. A decision is needed as soon as possible if†¦show more content†¦This can now cause a new threat against United States’ regional stability and global security †¢ International coalition against jihadist group, but avoiding attacks that may benefit Assad’s forces—very much against Institutions: †¢ Training program to train and arm Syrian rebels to fight IS has come with major setbacks—can’t fight IS successfully †¢ Humanitarian efforts based in US are necessary to help Syrian refugees, but is a risk and limits US’s ability to help as it could accidentally allow extremists to sneak their way into our country Russia Preferences: †¢ Increase military support for Assad—must cooperate with him †¢ Take on jihadis †¢ â€Å"Safeguard† Syrian state structures and the â€Å"rational† opposition †¢ International contact group-- (Iran and Saudi Arabia, but not UK or France) Incentives: †¢ Believes it can succeed militarily †¢ Wants to regain control of territory it previously lost †¢ Motivated by narrow interests—(not concerned for Syria’s sake solely) †¢ Motivated by own strategy to go against its view with NATO’s expansion into Russia’s past realms of influence Institutions: †¢ Has a more reputable and enforced stance than US, makes it