The Heat: Future of Syria

Islamic Extremism

A civil war now more than four years old. A refugee crisis out of control. Where is Syria heading?

An estimated 200,000 people have died in the four and 1/2 year-old civil war in Syria.

The UN estimates the refugee population at a staggering 12 million people. The spread of ISIL into Syria, together with al-Qaeda’s presence in the country, has made matters worse. Russia’s increasing military and diplomatic support for President Bashar-al Assad and U.S. opposition to his rule are complicating the situation.

So, what can be done to end the bloodshed in Syria?

The Heat spoke to Flynt Leverett. He is a professor of international affairs at Penn State and author of Inheriting Syria: Bashar’s Trial by Fire and Going to Tehran: Why America Must Accept the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Heat continued its discussion with these experts. Syrian journalist and commentator Muhammad Ali in Damascus and from London, political commentator and former Kremlin adviser, Alexander Nekrassov.