The problem with Syria is that there is no good side to support.
Assad is backed by Iran and the Russians.
Much of the opposition are Islamists (Al Qaeda, ISIS, etc).
We were allied with Stalin during WWII. So if Assad falls from power, radical Islamists will seize power. Their government will be like the Taliban in Afghanistan.
My first trip to Syria was in the early 70s. Clean and open type of society. Women wore western apparel.
Great outside cafes.
The arab world recognizes Assad as the President of Syria.
Time we did the same.
He’s been elected numerous times and is popular with secular and moderate Syrians of all religions. His secret security forces are no more brutal than those of most of the regional states…and those of Ukraine. He could probably be persuaded to reconcile with Kurdish autonomy if they accept being part of Syria.
For some reason Israel seems to think its best security interest is to keep Syria in chaos and “civil war.” Which is actually a war between having a secular govt, or going islamist. Iran has used Syria for decades as a thorn in the side of arab unity and a logistics base for ops vs Lebanon and Israel.