A No Fly Zone Over Syria?

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In The Media

A No Fly Zone Over Syria?

Despite rising levels of violence in Syria, the United States should focus less on intervention and more on planning for the day after the fall of the regime.

By Frederic Wehrey

Published on Nov 13, 2012

Source: FM4 ORF Austrian Radio

Speaking on FM4 ORF Austrian Radio, Carnegie's Frederic Wehrey explained that, with violence in Syria continuing to spiral to dramatic levels, a host of possible military actions are being considered. In particular, many are discussing implementing a no-fly zone. However, Wehrey noted, “no-fly zones are often the gateway drug to regime change. Once put in place it’s very difficult to say when you have achieved your goal, you become wedded to events on the ground and eventually become involved on the ground.” Aside from protecting innocent civilian,s a host of other considerations must be taken into account, he continued. In Syria, the possibility of any sort of American intervention—whether a no-fly zone or ground intervention—would undoubtedly rally jihadist elements, much as it did in Iraq. Wehrey stated that if he could advise on President Obama on how the U.S. should operate moving forward, he would stress “less of a focus on intervention and more planning for the day after the fall of the regime.”

About the Author

Frederic Wehrey

Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

Frederic Wehrey is a senior fellow in the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where his research focuses on governance, conflict, and security in Libya, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf.

Recent Work

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Political Reform Foreign Policy Middle East Syria

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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