Publication

24 Nov 2011

The Syrian crisis may or may not have entered its final phase, but it undoubtedly has entered its most dangerous one to date. The current stage is defined by an explosive mix of heightened strategic stakes tying into a regional and wider international competition on the one hand and emotionally charged attitudes, communal polarization and political wishful thinking on the other. As dynamics in both Syria and the broader international arena turn squarely against the regime, reactions are ranging from hysterical defiance on the part of its supporters, optimism among protesters and fears of sectarian retribution or even civil war shared by many, through to triumphalism among those who view the crisis as an historic opportunity to tilt the regional balance of power.

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Author International Crisis Group
Series Crisis Group Middle East Briefings
Issue 31
Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG)
Copyright © 2011 International Crisis Group (Crisis Group)
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