Syria

Iraq’s neighbors are going to have to start adjusting to a new reality in which U.S. forces will be departing Iraq in three years. [more]

The United States has angered Damascus by mounting a sortie across the Iraqi-Syrian border, killing at least half a dozen Syrians in the process. The leader of Israel’s ruling party dropped efforts to form a government and called for an early general election. Iraq’s foreign minister canceled a booked visit to Australia, citing a crisis in the talks over US troops, and Pakistan surprised those who’d suggested it was soft on the Taliban by recapturing a key strategic town. This series of events have confused diplomats and policymakers. [more]

A raid by U.S. troops five miles inside Syrian territory is one of several incidents in the Middle East raising the level of uncertainty in the region. [more]

Major Arab powers are reaching out to select Hezbollah figures to exacerbate rifts in the Shiite movement, constrain Syria and undermine Iranian influence in the region. [more]

The following is an internal Stratfor document produced to provide high-level guidance to our analysts. This document is not a forecast, but rather a series of guidelines for understanding and evaluating events, as well as suggestions on areas for focus. [more]