Patrick M. Regan : Obama facing decision on striking Syria over use of chemical weapons . Whatever strategic consequences , he says , Obama 's act will have consequences for Syria 's civil war . Whether he has such a plan or not , any U.S. attack will have implications for the civil war , no matter how much Obama says otherwise . He says much research suggests outside intervention in civil wars makes them longer and worse . Regan : Statistical evidence suggests well - planned negotiations can shorten war .
Patrick M. Regan : Obama facing decision on striking Syria over use of chemical weapons . Whatever strategic consequences , he says , Obama 's act will have consequences for Syria 's civil war . He says much research suggests outside intervention in civil wars makes them longer and worse . Regan : Statistical evidence suggests well - planned negotiations can shorten war .