A plan for Syria.

• Author: Schwartz, Carl
• Position: WE HEAR YOU - Letter to the editor

The situation in Syria is chaotic and desperate, and the United States alone is not in a position to implement a solution (Juan Cole interview, September issue). But a positive resolution to the Syrian disaster is possible and should be pursued.

First of all, Syria must be declared a "failed state." Surely any nation from which more than half the population flees death and destruction fits that definition. Then the United Nations becomes the custodian of civic responsibility. U.N. peacekeepers would be required to restore order.

With this re-establishment of civic order, a constitutional convention should be called, with participation of all the various factions of Syria, including those now in refugee camps. A new constitution needs to be...