The American-Syrian relationship since September 11 Attacks

The aim of this study is to examine and analyze the main subjects of the American-Syrian relationship since September 11th2001 attacks in terms of areas of agreement and dispute. The study has used a historical-descriptive-analytical approach and it concluded: First, the relations between the two countries have witnessed an unprecedented tension after September 11, particularly after the American occupation of Iraq and the assassination of the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Second, Syria has faced the accelerating American pressures with invitation for dialogue with USA and attempts to circumvent these pressures which concentrated on national and foreign issues. Third, themes of profound dispute between the two countries include the occupation of Iraq, the Palestinian resistance militias, Syrian military buildup, the Lebanese matter including the Syrian support of Hezbollah, the Syrian-Israeli peace process and Syrian-Iranian relationships. Fourth, during the Bush Presidency, the relations witnessed tension, escalate and  economic boycott, while Barak Obama policy seems to have adopted dialogue in dealing with Syria. What have been achieved so far is positive to improve the relation between the two countries. Yet, there are some Syrian demands that have not come to fruition including the lift of the sanction, crossing it out of the pro-terrorism states and the American adoption of Israel allegations that Syria has provided Hezbollah with Scud missiles.