Colum Lynch


Syria’s two problems, and Russia’s “iffy” solution to only one of them

President Obama’s speech to the nation tonight, September 10, was a weak speech, reflecting the confusion in his head and in the administration about what…


Obama’s failure to justify military action against Syria under international law, and its pernicious impact

President Barack Obama has so far failed to offer a well-developed justification under international law for taking military action against Syria. While not a “slam…


Kofi Annan’s Ghost Arises: More Illusory Solutions from Brahimi and China—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #89 (November 8)

Chinese Proposal for Syria It is curious indeed to see China propose a “solution” to the Syrian civil war at this precise moment in time,…