According to the U.N., at least 80,000 Syrians have died since the start of hostilities in 2011, and more than 4 million have been forced from their homes. What was once a peaceful uprising against the regime of President Bashar Assad has turned into a vicious sectarian conflict pitting Iran-backed Shi'ites allied with the regime against Sunni rebels backed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Each side has attracted asymmetrical support: Lebanon-based Hizballah for the regime and disparate Islamist-extremist fighters for the rebels. The U.S., Russia and other regional players hope the road to peace can begin with talks in Geneva--for which...
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