Publications

The latest report of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri refrained from pointing the finger of suspicion directly at Syria. Nevertheless, its ongoing work, and especially the intention of Lebanon, supported by elements at the UN, to establish a special international tribunal to try those accused of involvement in the assassination, have already raised concerns in Syria about an additional wave of pressure that could culminate, this time, in sanctions that would reflect the determination of the international community to deal with “rogue states” (including Iran). Such measures, however, could well push Syria to resort to an even more extreme approach.