Plenty of other countries refused to accept Israel's occupation and annexation of the Golan Heights but somehow managed not to sink into permanent warfare. Syria itself occupied a large segment of Lebanon until it had to give it up, most unwillingly. There must be other explanations. I agree that journalists label 'complex' situations they either do not know much about or do not feel at liberty talking about. I doubt Golan Heights is one of those situations. So, what else might have ailed Syria?