In Syria, Promises Will Go Only So Far

As Syria began to fall apart in 2011, an opportunity presented itself. Those with a stake in the country, both internally and externally, saw the chance to change what had long been the status quo. From rebel groups in Damascus to outside benefactors such as Iran, every stakeholder sought to bend the situation to its own self-interest. Thus, even as increasingly fractured and discordant groups tore up the state's territorial integrity, outside powers couldn't help but be drawn in. Now, as Russia extricates itself from Syria, other countries active in the conflict may have to rethink their plans....