This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. Unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response are adding new complexity to the troubled U.S.-Syrian relationship. The Obama Administration's policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of long-standing concern has been met with criticism from some, including some Members of Congress. Critics believe that the Administration should apply further pressure to the Syrian government and consider implementing harsher economic sanctions against it. The use of violence against Syrian protestors has been accompanied by calls for new U.S. sanctions but also some expression of concern by experts that political unrest in Syria could evolve into a broader civil conflict that in turn could destabilize Syria's neighbors.

This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria, particularly regarding the unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response. It includes descriptions of recent developments, issues for Congress, U.S.-Syrian relations, U.S. Sanctions, and future prospects related to the role of Congress.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

This report discusses the ongoing conflict in Syria and provides an overview of U.S. Policy responses. The rise of the insurgent terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS, aka the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL/ISIS) and Russia's military intervention on behalf of the Syrian government have reshaped debates over U.S. policy toward the ongoing civil conflict in Syria, now in its fifth year.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about Israeli defense minister Moshe Dayan who is en-routing to Washington for talks with secretary of state Kissinger.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story of Israeli forces who gave up their positions along the Cairo Suez road in the first phase of their pullback on the Suez Front.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story of Kissinger who arrived in Cairo to go over latest Middle East developments with Egyptian president. Also, Britons who went to the polls, amid growing prospects of a severe belt-tightening.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story of secretary Kissinger who managed another coup by securing from Syria the important list of Israeli war prisoners.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about Israeli ambassador who came to the United states in Dallas for a speech told reporters that he hopes the readiness of Syria to negotiate will bring about a swift peace in the Mid- East.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about secretary of state Kissinger who has postponed return to Washington again to make another trip to Damascus.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about president Nixon who holds a meeting with his cabinet and vice president Ford.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about secretary of state Henry Kissinger who has again left Syria in his last ditch effort to win agreement for Syrian Israeli disengagement.

This report focuses on Syria’s internal politics and the impact of hostilities in Iraq on Syria’s stability and U.S.-Syrian relations. It outlines the development of the the regime currently headed by President Bashar al-Asad and its support base; describes potential challenges to the regime; examines the effect of the Iraq war on Syrian domestic politics and U.S.-Syrian relations; and reviews U.S. policy options toward Syria. It will be updated when significant changes take place and affect these relationships. For more information on Syrian foreign policy issues, see CRS Issue Brief IB92075, Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues, by Alfred B. Prados.