The Syrian Dilemma: a U.S. led Invasion or a U.N. Sponsored Resolution
John W. Sutherlin

Abstract
While other Arab regimes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have crumbled due to popular pressure without massive amounts of blood being spilled, the Syrian government continues to oppress and kill oppositional forces and its citizens at an increasingly alarming rate. Despite European and US pressure through United Nations mechanisms, there does not appear to be full international support for any post-Assad Syria, nor a response to outside intervention, such as that done by Russia and Iran. The current US administration is in large part distracted because of upcoming elections and the lagging economy. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a false diplomatic choice: a US led Invasion or a UN Sponsored Resolution. Perhaps the resolution of the Syrian 'dilemma' is somewhere else. This paper will explore other options besides 'bullets and speeches'. In fact, this paper will argue that Syria presents an opportunity to make major strides on THE MENA issue: a nuclear Iran.

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