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Strategy of force coupled with sound diplomacy

By Alon Ben-Meir - posted Thursday, 20 April 2017


The repatriation of the refugees must also be dealt with, and the parties should agree on a program that allow the refugees to return to their homes. Given the extensive destruction of the country, all the stakeholders should embark on raising the billions of dollars necessary to rebuild infrastructure and support the rehabilitation of refugees.

Between now and the time when such an agreement is reached, a no-fly zone should be created in Syria along its borders with Turkey and Jordan to provide a safe haven for the internally displaced and refugees.

To be sure, Trump should be clear that the US is more than willing to engage diplomatically to solve the war in Syria, which by extension threatens its security and the security of its allies. Trump should also emphasize that the US is willing to use force when necessary to achieve its objectives.

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Trump's order to attack a Syrian air base while having dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping was also intended to send a loud and clear message to the North Korean regime. Moreover, dispatching a naval strike group to the Western Pacific Ocean near the Korean Peninsula sends an unambiguous message to China that it is time to rein in North Korea's provocations, because the longer the conflict persists, the more complicated it becomes.

Through his actions against Assad and toward North Korea, President Trump reasserted the US' position on the global stage by challenging its enemies to take heed of its resolve, while inviting a diplomatic solution based on the national interests of all the players involved.

Russia has a special interest to resume normal relations with the US, and is eager to have the sanctions lifted. Secretary of State Tillerson's visit to Moscow should pave the way for starting serious negotiations to end the conflict in Syria, as long as it ensures Russia's long-term strategic goals.

China's main interest is to maintain, and even improve, its trade relations with the US. With some American incentives, China would more than likely take whatever steps necessary to tame North Korea and prevent any confrontation between the US and North Korea that could precipitate regional upheaval that China wants to avoid at any price.

Similarly, Iran wants to prevent any military entanglement with the US, knowing full well that it simply cannot emerge but humiliated from such a confrontation, which would adversely impact its national interests in Syria and leave it subject to new crippling sanctions.

The US today is in a better position than it has been in more than sixteen years to reestablish its global credibility and moral and security responsibilities.

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Trump's unpredictability and his readiness to use force when necessary can be an asset, but it is no substitute for a sound and effective strategy-a strategy that offers carrots while carrying a big stick, with a clear objective always in sight.

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About the Author

Dr. Alon Ben-Meir is a professor of international relations at the Center for Global Affairs at NYU. He teaches courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies.

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