U.S. Institute of Peace expert Mona Yacoubian tells Bernard Gwertzman the international pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime seem to be easing—at least from Damascus’ perspective.

The pitched battle for Syria’s future could eventually pull the country apart and precipitate a seismic sectarian shift in the region, says Mideast expert Mona Yacoubian.

The weekend massacre near Houla that has galvanized international outrage may spark a stronger Russian stand against the Assad regime, says Syria expert Mona Yacoubian.

The lack of progress in Syrian peace talks doesn’t mean diplomacy can’t work, but the process needs to include regional powers, says expert Mona Yacoubian.