Publication

This memo argues that 1) the Vienna process to end the conflict in Syria should be an immediate priority for European governments, and 2) a continued overemphasis on military action in the already fractured country will do more harm than good. Indeed, the near-term priority should be to de-escalate the current level of violence while the longer term one should be to devolve political power, as required. European governments can facilitate both steps by “softening up” allies and making them more pragmatic in their approach to the crisis.