Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Policy

The Great Myth About U.S. Intervention in Syria

| October 24, 2016

America's standing in the world has not — and will not — be weakened by staying out of other countries’ humanitarian crises.

As the carnage in Syria continues with no end in sight, it is hardly surprising that many people are redoubling their efforts to get the United States to "do something."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (and likely the next U.S. president) has used the campaign trail to convey that she still supports a no-fly zone (or something like it), and a bevy of politicians, pundits, and advocacy groups keep suggesting that America's failure to respond is yet another sign of its declining "will" and diminished credibility....

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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation: Walt, Stephen M..“The Great Myth About U.S. Intervention in Syria.” Foreign Policy, October 24, 2016.

The Author

Stephen Walt

Stephen M. Walt

  • Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Affairs; Faculty Chair, International Security Program
  • Member of the Board, Belfer Center
  • Faculty Affiliate, Future of Diplomacy Project
  • Faculty Affiliate, Middle East Initiative
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