The Syrian Civil War is now two and a half years old. Over 100,000 Syrians have been killed, two million have become refugees and the violence looks increasingly likely to draw in the country's neighbours. Nevertheless, until recently, the United States has resisted becoming directly involved in the conflict. Why hasn't the Obama Administration played a more active role in Syria? Is it likely to become increasingly involved? An expert panel of US Studies Centre academics and special guest Professor Amin Saikal, Director of the Centre of Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University, discussed these pressing strategic, political and humanitarian questions.

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Panel

  • Professor Amin Saikal, Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University
  • Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor, Associate Professor in American Politics & Director of Teaching and Learning, US Studies Centre
  • Dr Adam Lockyer, Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy, US Studies Centre
  • Tom Switzer, Research Associate and Editor of American Review, US Studies Centre