Trump Wants Something From Assad—Here's What He Can Offer In Return

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad carry Syrian flags and portraits in front of the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva January 31, 2014. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
April 5, 2020 Topic: Politics Region: Middle East Blog Brand: Lebanon Watch Tags: Bashar Al-AssadSanctionsDonald TrumpAustin TiceHostages

Trump Wants Something From Assad—Here's What He Can Offer In Return

Syria needs sanctions relief. The United States needs something, too.

by David W. Lesch Kamal Alam

David W. Lesch is The Ewing Halsell Distinguished Professor of Middle East History at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX whose recent books include: Syria: A Modern History (Polity Books, 2019) and The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A History (Oxford University Press, 2019).

Kamal Alam teaches Syrian military history at various Middle Eastern Army Staff Colleges. He was previously was a fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, he also advises several Damascus-based family offices.

Image: Reuters.