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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/03/opinion/03LEVE.html
How to Get Syria Out of the Terrorism Business
(New York Times) Flynt Leverett - Can we change the behavior of a terrorism-sponsoring state like Syria without unseating its regime? Is it possible to reform Syria's posture not through force, but through diplomatic engagement? The answer is a qualified yes. But given Mr. Assad's political constraints, sticks alone will not produce more than short-term tactical adjustments in Syrian behavior. To bring about real change, we must also offer concrete benefits in exchange for meeting our demands. Doing so would enable Mr. Assad to demonstrate to the regime's inner circle that Syrian interests would be better served by cooperation with us than by a gradually intensifying confrontation. The author was senior director for Middle East affairs at the National Security Council from February 2002 to March 2003.