Can A No-Fly Zone Be Established Over Syria?

An airplane belonging to forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad flies above Idlib in May 2014. The creation of a no-fly zone is a key step toward creating a safe zone below, though not the most important one, the author writes. KHALIL ASHAWI/REUTERS

Karl Mueller, Newsweek: Is a No-Fly Zone Over Syria Achievable?

A number of congressional leaders, former officials, and presidential candidates have advocated the establishment of a no-fly zone or safe zone in Syria to protect Syrian civilians against attack from both the Islamic State and the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Under a no-fly zone, unauthorized aircraft are prohibited entry into a specified area and force or the threat of force is used to deter violations. The creation of a no-fly zone is a key step toward creating a safe zone below, though not the most important one.

RAND Corporation’s Karl Mueller, a senior political scientist who specializes in research related to military and national security strategy, including the use of airpower, answered some key questions about the proposed strategy.

WNU Editor: Not going to happen. President Obama knows that this will only invite a more aggressive response from Russia .... and a probable military confrontation. And with 15 months left in his term, the last thing that President Obama wants is another war .... correction .... major war.