Syria: Laying the Foundations for a Credible and Sustainable Transition

This article assesses the options for a set of interim governance and transitional justice arrangements which – beyond the declaration of a cessation of hostilities – could establish the foundations for a subsequent transition, regardless of its endpoint. Drawing on the specifics of the Syrian case and wider studies of interventions in, and transitions from, civil war, we consider the challenges of peace and state-building, identifying both risks and mitigating actions. The article argues that risk mitigation is possible and should begin now. These efforts need to be supported by the international community in order to lay the foundations for a credible and sustainable post-civil war transition in Syria.