The United States' current Syria policy calls for the removal of Bashar al-Assad from power (The Guardian, US Department of State, The White House, US Government Information), a position which puts them at odds with Russia (BBC, CNN) and which has been questioned by a US presidential candidate (International Business Times, CNN). The endorsement of an agreement which only allows Assad to remain in power during a transition period will NOT suffice (e.g. US Department of State), but an agreement which allows Assad to compete in national elections would. Recommended Questions How many Syrian Refugees will the UNHCR register in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt and North Africa before 1 January 2017?