On today's 'Global Exchange' Podcast, join host Colin Robertson as he explores the ongoing Syrian conflict with two distinguished guests -- former Ambassadors Michael Bell and Rolf Holmboe.

What does instability in Syria mean for the Middle East at large? Who wants what out of the conflict? Does the West have a role to play in Syria's reconstruction? All this and more are discussed on this week's episode of 'The Global Exchange'.

Bios:

Colin Robertson (host) - A former Canadian diplomat, Colin Robertson is Vice President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and a Senior Advisor to Dentons LLP.

Michael Bell - a former Canadian Foreign Service Officer with 36 years experience in the Department of Foreign Affairs, mostly focused on the Middle East. He was Canada's Ambassador to Jordan (1987-90), Egypt (1994-98), and Israel (1990-92 and 1999- 2003).

Rolf Holmboe - a Research Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and a former Danish Ambassador to Syria, Lebanon and Jordan (2012-2015).

Book Recommendations:

Michael Bell - "The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History" (https://www.amazon.ca/Fall-Roman-Empire-New-History-ebook/dp/B0044KLOXO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475517568&sr=8-2&keywords=the+fall+of+the+roman+empire)

Rolf Holmboe - "Die schwarze Macht: Der »Islamische Staat« und die Strategen des Terrors (German)" (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Die-schwarze-Macht-»Islamische-SPIEGEL-Buch/dp/3421046948/ref=la_B00WIAJA6A_1_1/278-7693388-4298561?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436780666&sr=1-1)

Related Links:

Rolf Holmboe - "A new opening for peace in Syria" (https://www.hilltimes.com/2016/09/21/a-new-opening-for-peace-in-syria/80948)

Michael Bell - "West must accept some painful realities to reach peace in Syria" (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/west-must-accept-some-painful-realties-to-reach-peace-in-syria/article28664948/)

Rolf Holmboe - "Syria: The Cost of Doing Nothing" (http://www.cgai.ca/syria_the_cost_of_doing_nothing)

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Produced by Jared Maltais and Meaghan Hobman. Music credits to Drew Phillips.