Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 05/2013

Building a Syrian State in a Time of Civil War

Gilles Dorronsoro, Adam Baczko, Arthur Quesnay

April 2013

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Abstract

The solution to the Syrian crisis lies in building a state within rebel-held territory that can replace the regime in Damascus. But the effort to create institutions and integrate rebels is threatened by increasing political fragmentation and sectarian tensions. Overcoming these obstacles and establishing a new state amid civil war will require greater unity on the ground and support from outside.