Dr. David Sorenson, professor at the Air University and former dean of the Air War College, presented the history, and modern social and political complexities of Syria.  The country economy, society and highly prized antiquities, he argued, are now reduced to rubble. Multiple factions have torn each other apart in years of fighting, and the Syrian and Russian governments in particular will soon find themselves in charge of mountains of rubble. There is little strategic value left there for any external power save perhaps Turkey. Sorenson, as he has before, gave this depressing message in a lively style with many illustrations. See AWAC.US, our archive site, and select the Speaker notes 2016-17 page, for copious notes. For a direct link, click here: AWAC Notes '16-17: Sorenson.