[Do not dub me shapka broham]

I can't see Bashar al-Assad lasting more than another year or two.

That clueless, Jew-hating goober is going to get the shiv-probably from one of his father's former colleagues-it's just a question of when.

[SunkenCiv]

The Islamofascists have made attempts in the direction of overthrowing Baathism, but have been crushed up until now. The forced withdrawal from Lebanon cut off a source of cash, but had also been bleeding Syria dry in terms of young people fleeing to avoid compulsory national service. When the time comes, Syria's regime can count on help from, hmm, let's see... which neighboring countries... Iraq? No. Jordan? Doubtful. Lebanon? They're waiting for that party. Turkey? Not a chance. The most likely source of assistance is Israel, strange as that may sound today. ;')

And that ain't too likely.