Patrick M. Regan : Obama facing decision on striking Syria over use of chemical weapons . Whatever strategic reasons , he says , Obama 's act would have implications for Syria 's civil war . Comment: Two aspects of the negotiated route pose a problem for the United States . Regan : Statistical evidence suggests well-timed negotiations can shorten war .
Patrick M. Regan : Obama facing decision on striking Syria over use of chemical weapons . Whatever strategic reasons , he says , Obama 's act would have implications for Syria 's civil war . Comment: Regan : Statistical evidence suggests well-timed negotiations can shorten war .