[Cronos]

Syria has 10% officially Christians. In reality there's a lot more -- refugees from Iraq (Iraq in 2003 had 2 million Christians, in 2010, 400,000 and dropping).

Both Assad (Jr & Sr) and Saddam didn't care about religion as long as you didn't threaten their rule

Christians for 1400 years had learnt to do just that.

However if the Islamists come to power, then Christian churches are the target.

Assad is a big friend to the Christians for this reason -- the alternative (the "rebels") are Saudi/Oman sponsored Islamists who will kill all Christians in Syria.

[DoughtyOne]

Okay, I think that’s a reasoned point. I appreciate you making it.

[DoughtyOne]

Cronos, I do want to add this.

Assad has been a problem for Lebanon for a thirty years that I am aware of. He has put his troops on it’s soil. He has armed Hezbollah. He has allowed Iran to run arms through his nation.

This has been detrimental to the Christian stance in Lebanon. It has also be very detrimental to the safety of Israel.

Assad is problematic, and has been for a long time.

I think your point about Christians in Syria is probably a sound one. Assad is still worthy of being taken out.

Now, do I think we should facilitate the deal? No, I don’t.

I don’t think prospects are very bright for Christians in the region either.