Anne W. Patterson: “Our differences with Russia, Iran, and the Assad regime are very substantial, but the benefits of ending this conflict…”

We don't believe it is possible to have any sort of settlement there, either a political settlement or any military defeat of ISIL, without the departure of Assad.

There is no military solution, and the international community cannot afford a continuation of the status quo.

To protect U.S. interests amidst this volatility, we have to recognize and cope with the challenges that states across the region face.

The solution can only come through a political transition.