Dr. Samer Abboud, assistant professor of history and international studies, published an opinion piece on the Syrian conflict in Al Jazeera on Nov. 4. In “Geneva II: Giving war a chance?” Abboud explains that Geneva II—a proposed international conference that will attempt to end the Syrian conflict—is a failing process, and, thus, is “giving war a chance to solve the conflict.”

His points include the complex issues that have led to the failure of Geneva II—for example, the parties’ lack of commitment to the peace process—and his opinion that war will not solve the conflict. Rather, Abboud suggests that the only hope for Geneva II is to bring together the main parties: the regime and the fragmented groups of rebels.

Abboud, who is currently focusing his studies on Syrian capital flight, is a regular contributor to Al Jazeera’s opinions page.