By constantly insisting on Assad’s resignation, the US will not be able to reach a compromise with Russia and Iran. Such a scenario would only contribute to the escalation of the conflict, Gordon said in an interview with The Hill.
"To maintain that [Assad’s resignation] as a precondition for deescalating the conflict is a recipe for continuing the conflict, and that has proven to be the case for some time," he pointed out.
He added the current approach, providing support to the moderate Syrian opposition to increase pressure on the Assad regime "is not working, and unlikely to work."
Gordon also commented on the idea of a "no-fly zone" in Syria, saying it would not be enough to end the war.
"OK, you did the partial no-fly zone, but there’s still all this killing going on and there’s still a disastrous situation on the ground and refugees aren’t going back. So, OK, you know, you’re still at that fork in the road," he said.
In order to resolve the crisis, the first step should be the extension of a national ceasefire and providing humanitarian aid so "people see the benefits of the agreement," Gordon suggested.
He also recommended advancing a process of decentralization that would allow for a further process of long-term political transformation and constitutional reform.
