http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/nuke/R42848.pdf
Examines the chemical and biological weapons that Syria is known to have and assesses the damage that could be done if the weapons were used by the government against the rebels or if they were passed to other groups. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R42816.pdf
Provides an overview of issues relating to Lebanon including the current civil war in Syria, and U.S. assistance to Lebanon. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.usip.org/files/resources/SR317.pdf
Insights from a May 2012 conference on how reform of police and security organizations is a crucial step in building democracies. From the United States Institute of Peace
http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/RP12-48.pdf
This paper describes Syria’s sectarian and political history, and discusses the forces involved in the conflict. It also considers the role played by other countries and points out obstacles to effective intervention. House of Commons Library Research Paper 12/48
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33487.pdf
Discusses the current situation in Syria and the problems posed by the fighting including refugee flows, terrorist involvement, breakdowns in arms control, and the available policy options for the U.S.
From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2012/523
Report on the future of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria from the Secretary General. From the United Nations
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33487.pdf
Discusses the current situation in Syria and the problems posed by the fighting including refugee flows, terrorist involvement, control of Syrian weapon stockpiles, and the spread of violence to neighboring countries like Israel, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RS21968.pdf
Reviews the deterioration of political relations between Sunni and Shiite factions of the Iraqi government since December 2011, the causes for the deterioration, and the legacy of U.S. involvement in Iraq. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists